Regis Le Bris has singled out Chris Rigg for praises following the teenager's recent performances.
Just 18 years old, Rigg played a key role in the Black Cats’ promotion campaign last season, but has had to patiently wait for opportunities this term. However, the teenage midfielder has started each of Sunderland’s last three matches across all competitions, playing the full 90 minutes in their last two Premier League outings.
Rigg was particularly impressive in Sunderland’s memorable 2-1 comeback win at Newcastle United last time out, creating three chances and attempting three shots, while posting a 100% cross accuracy rate from three attempts, making four tackles and winning all five of his ground duels.
RLB hails Sunderland youngster Chris Rigg
Sunderland are preparing to face relegation-threatened Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, and it would be a shock if Rigg isn’t once again in the starting line-up at the Stadium of Light. Either way, Le Bris is thrilled with what he’s seen from the youngster recently.
“Chris is really young but he has shown exactly what we want him to do,” Le Bris told Sunderland’s official website. “He is a great character and very consistent. He has great resilience when things are hard - not just when it is easy. He is a great symbol of what we want to develop here.
“The league is so demanding that you have to have a strong team, strong togetherness and strong characters - he is one of these players.”
He continued: “I know what I want to develop and I know the players. It is important to share ideas, build together and strengthen the connection. With someone like Riggy, we have a good connection with him.”
RLB cautious ahead of Tottenham clash
Sunderland supporters will be expecting all three points from their side on Sunday, especially against a Tottenham outfit with no wins and just five points from their last 13 Premier League games - slipping into the bottom three.
However, Le Bris is taking a cautious approach to the game, appreciating that the Europa League holders still have plenty of quality at their disposal, who could be reinvigorated by new boss Roberto De Zerbi.
“Tottenham are a big club with many top players but they have struggled to generate momentum this season,” he said. “You never know how the vicious circle gets created but this league is really unforgiving. It is always demanding and that makes it hard to break.
“It doesn’t mean they aren’t good. They are strong and they have good players, but when doubt is in the head it is hard to manage situations.
“The new coach is great - he has strong experience internationally and in the Premier League. He has good ideas, a clear identity and he has the ability to switch the momentum.”
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