Regis Le Bris is under a lot of pressure to turn things around at Sunderland next season.
The French coach arrives after the Black Cats ended their campaign in 16th place, having won only two of their final 15 matches.
Sunderland will be expected to push for the play-offs next term, while Kristjaan Speakman will be encouraged to make a number of signings that include a lot more experience.
While Sunderland will hope players who are already proven in the Championship can help guide them to success, there is no doubt that they will also heavily rely on their young and exciting stars.
Dan Neil, Jack Clarke and Chris Rigg all proved to be vital players during a turbulent 2023/24 season, while their futures have all been doubted due to heavy interest from the top flight.
However, Sunderland were handed some brilliant news this week when it was confirmed that Rigg had signed his first professional contract.
The midfielder could have taken the opportunity to join the likes of Liverpool, Man City or Bayern Munich, but instead committed the next three years to the Wearside outfit.
Regis Le Bris urged to be ‘brave’ with Chris Rigg
With many fans absolutely delighted by the news, Le Bris has now been urged to build the team around Rigg – despite his age and lack of experience.
Journalist Michael Graham wrote on X: “Rigg will be a central midfielder you can build a whole team around. Would be a brave man to start doing that now, but maybe it’s time for a bit of bravery.”
Sunderland should only have one midfield spot up for grabs
Mike Dodds looked to take some pressure off Rigg in his first proper season in the starting line-up and opted to play him further wide than his natural position.
While understandable at the time, the 17-year-old will surely be deployed as a central midfielder after signing a new contract.
While Sunderland have been urged to bring some more experience into the midfield, there is no doubt that Rigg needs to be one of the first names on the team-sheet.
Rigg and Neil should make up two of the midfield three and the third is then up for debate.
Le Bris certainly needs to be brave with Rigg’s impact next term, because allowing him to feel some pressure could really get the best out of him.
