https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/s...lects-living-premier-league-dream-sunderland/ CHRIS RIGG is “living the dream” as he stars for Sunderland in the Premier League – and the teenager admits he is finally starting to think himself as a fully-fledged top-flight player... “I think it’s every boy’s dream to be a Premier League player,” said Rigg, who made his Sunderland debut as a 15-year-old under Tony Mowbray. “But it’s not just to be a Premier League player, it’s to be a player that's grown up in this city, this town and to know what it means for the fans. On the pitch, I give it my all for the fans, and yeah, I’m just so proud to finally call myself a Premier League player.” Having played for England at every representative level from Under-15s to Under-19s, Rigg has long been earmarked for the top. Still, though, there is a world of difference between starring in League One or the Championship and coping with the demands of life as a Premier League player. Rigg has always had confidence in his own ability, but he admits there was an element of stepping into the unknown about moving into the top-flight. “I’ve definitely got the qualities to be a Premier League player,” said Rigg. “Obviously, I’ve still got so much to learn, as you can see, and the team’s got so much to learn too. We’re still gelling, there’s still a lot of new players that need to gel together, but I think we’re on the right path.” “I can’t get too much on a high because there’s always something around the corner, but I was absolutely buzzing to commit my future here,” he said. “There was no choice there, I was always going to do that, because I know what this club means, their ambitions, and you can see it on the pitch. So yeah, I’m just buzzing about it all.” Rigg got his chance this season when Habib Diarra was injured, and has slipped seamlessly into a midfield unit that has been a core part of Sunderland’s strength. He has struck up an immediate relationship with summer signings Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki, with the trio uniting to great effect in both attack and defence. “It’s so good to be in a team where you know everyone's got their backs,” said Rigg. “For example, if someone lost the ball, I’d know I’d work for them, and then the opposite too. If I lost the ball, they’d work for me. I’m just buzzing to be a part of this team, and so proud of the team as well.” So, given that things have started so successfully, have ambitions already begun to shift? At the start of the season, survival was the one and only aim, but now, with almost a quarter of the campaign gone, are Sunderland setting their sights higher? “I’ve been a football fan, so as a fan, I would dream,” said Rigg. “Because the team are doing so well and hopefully it can only get better, but I don’t think like that. I just look for the next game, because you’re only as good as your last game. At times (against Wolves) there was a bit of sloppiness from myself and from my team-mates, but that digging in, grittiness and working hard together got us through the game.”
Great article from the lad, over the moon for him. Hopefully Dan Neil reads this and can come to an agreement with the club over a new contract.
Gave the ball away twice on the edge of the box and nearly cost us on Saturday mind. Enjoyed his gut busting run to get back and win a goal kick from thwarting their left winger though. He will absolutely get better from playing regularly but he can’t be a passenger too often like he was on Saturday. When you look at how much Xhaka and Sadiki impact the game we really need our third midfielder doing the same at this level.
Not sure I'd agree with "passenger" mind. He was the least effective of the three, but that is to be expected. He was still seventeen in the summer and has far less experience than the other two. But, as with all players, he has to learn, and learn on the job in the toughest of leagues. And we have to let him. If there is one player in the last twenty years who has come through our system who I have no doubts about being good enough for the top, it is Chris Rigg.
Looks like it, though I hope not. But I doubt that it will be to any of the clubs often mentioned. As far as can be seen, unless some really hot move just comes out of the blue, I'd say he has a bad agent who has sold him a dream. It is notable that he isn't getting any game time, and you can't blame the manager for that. You clearly have to be all in for us now.
Interesting about the agent,but,when it comes down to it....I looked at him last season and didn't see much to indicate he was PL ready. If he gets a run,he may prove me wrong....I really hope so....and I do think he would be all in.....but,it may be a bridge too far for him?
I thought there was sloppiness second half. Him, Traore and Enzo especially. Glad that he recognises it. His self awareness is spot on throughout the interview which is great to see. It makes some mad decision to leave less likely.
Difficult to see a way back for the lad, which is a shame. From 1st team captain to bench warmer is a stunning fall from grace. Lads like Rigg, Ballard, and Hume have grown with the club this season and are looking the part, Neil just looks out of place now. Best of luck to the lad, hope we can get a decent price for him in January, but I fear he may be disappointed with the standard of club that are on for him.
I fear you may be right given his contract is almost up and doesn't appear to be part of our long term planning.
If I could speak to Dan Neil it would be sign the contract and literally follow and learn off Granit 24/7. Follow him to the toilet if needs be and just learn learn learn. He will never get this opportunity again hopefully he takes it
Maybe. I think he could do a job personally. But you're not all in If you haven't signed up, and he won't get much of a chance of he doesn't.
He should have signed it last year IMO. It has cost him a lot of money and he might very well never make it up. Absolute Golden Rule No.1 for a pro footballer is that you sign the first decent contract that sets you up, if you're good enough to get one offered.The rest will come, but so might an injury. Agents aren't bothered. They'll try, but then they'll move into the next young lad.
Neil wants away IMO. Should have been pushed out in Summer. Having giving him a career, at least let us get 5/10m back for him.
