Chris Rigg’s displeasure at being substituted and his instructions to the young player have been described by Sunderland’s captain.
Following the Oxford United match, Sunderland captain Dan Neil gave Chris Rigg, a teenage sensation, a specific message.
The Black Cats extended their lead at the top of the table to five points after 12 games played with a 2-0 victory at the Stadium of Light in the Championship. Neil, 22, and his midfield teammates Jobe, 19, and Rigg, 17, began the match.
As the only player to have appeared in every league and cup game for Sunderland this season, Rigg has already been in incredible form. The wonderkid has scored three goals in 12 Championship outings.
At the Stadium of Light on Saturday, Sunderland was leading Oxford, and Alan Browne was replaced by the England young player. Neil, the captain of Sunderland, was quick to congratulate Rigg on yet another strong effort after the game.
Neil responded, “I just went over and said, you were brilliant today, well done,” when asked what he had said to Rigg following the Luton game. Sometimes he becomes irritated when he is removed because you have to constantly tell him that he is just 17 and that he has to take a break.
We reside two minutes away from Riggy’s house. It’s always pleasant to play midfield with someone who lives so close to you, as he lives just around the corner from us. It’s also pleasant to play in midfield with a player who is still developing and watch him improve every week.
Despite being relatively fresh to the scene, Jobe and Riggy have been outstanding. It’s good to see them in front of me, and they’ve already played a lot of minutes this year for only being 17 and 18. I am now becoming older. The legs in front of me are necessary.
“They have both been outstanding, but I believe they have very mature heads on their shoulders. They understand that there are only eleven or twelve games, or whatever it is, and they want to play for the entire season. We want to be in the top spot by the end of the season, and that takes everyone.” They will not give up since they have very mature heads on their shoulders.
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