View: Regis Le Bris has easy decision on 22% Rigg for Sunderland clash v Burnley
Chris Rigg should be named on the bench for Sunderland on Friday if they are to have any chance of beating Burnley.
Sunderland crashed out of the FA Cup last time out at the hands of Stoke City, with Rigg making his return from injury and being named in the starting 11.
However, his performance showed signs of a lack of sharpness which was perhaps to be expected, but the recent signing of Enzo Le Fee could play a part if he is to be dropped to the bench. After his performance against the Potters, it would be rightful.
Chris Rigg wasn’t ready to return for Sunderland v Stoke
First and foremost, Rigg is an outstanding footballer who has played a crucial role in their push for promotion and there’s no doubt that he will continue to do so.
However, his minutes need to be managed carefully and given his below-par performance against Stoke, an away clash with Burnley on 17 January could provide the opportunity to give him some extra days to recover from his recent injury.
As per FotMob, the 17-year-old completed just nine passes in the hour played, with a 75 per cent accuracy on show. That is significantly lower than his usual self.
Of his four attempted dribbles, he completed just one while failing to complete a single cross in the tie.
In terms of his defensive contributions, he struggled to show the same level of intensity that has seen him adored on Wearside having won just 22 per cent of those he was involved in, committing two fouls in the process.
Rigg can still have a huge role to play in the game, but for this particular encounter, his best impact may be off the bench.
In other Sunderland news, the Black Cats have been warned ahead of a potential transfer swoop.
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