Chris Rigg future comes clear at Sunderland as Port Vale defeat exposes worrying truth
Chris Rigg was named in the starting 11 for Sunderland’s shock FA Cup defeat to Port Vale.
Form has certainly not favoured Sunderland as of late, and that was again amplified as they crashed out of the FA Cup against Port Vale, a side who look destined for relegation to League Two.
However, it wasn’t the result that caused the most concern; it was the worrying lack of threat posed by Sunderland from open play, which has been a theme throughout the season.
Among those who struggled to have any real influence in the game was Rigg, with it now looking clear as to what next season may have in store for him.
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Stats show what will come next for Chris Rigg
First things first, it’s important to note that Rigg is still just 18 years old.
However, with the Black Cats looking to progress up the Premier League table next season, while also ensuring his development remains fair, a loan makes the most sense.
While he wasn’t the only one, Rigg had no influence against Vale whatsoever, as showcased by the fact that he had just 33 touches in the game in the 83 minutes he was on the pitch.
The teenager completed just 61 per cent of his 18 attempted passes, while also losing 36 per cent of his duels in the game.
His only attempted dribble saw him dispossessed, while his only attempted long ball also went wayward.
His lack of gametime this season can certainly be used as a reason for his lack of sharpness, but that also just shows how he could benefit from a loan move next summer, where he can get access to regular minutes.
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Where doe Regis Le Bris go from here?
Regis Le Bris has done a fine job at Sunderland, not just in the Premier League, but also in getting them there in the first place.
And for that, he has plenty of credit in the bank at the Stadium of Light.
However, that credit is slowly starting to be taken away from him, with the Black Cats having won three of their last 14 in the Premier League, and now having crashed out of the FA Cup against a Port Vale side who are bottom of League One.
Is he at risk of the sack? No. However, if things don’t improve ahead of the final nine games of the season, conversations will certainly be had.
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