Chris Rigg’s pre-season rise puts Sunderland in the spotlight after Liverpool loss
Sunderland’s Chris Rigg has become the standout performer in pre-season for Tony Mowbray’s side after back-to-back showings against York City and Liverpool. The 19-year-old’s composure and technical quality have drawn praise, with many tipping him to force his way into the first team picture before the Championship curtain-raiser.
The latest outing came just 24 hours before Sunderland’s 4-2 defeat at Anfield on 25 July 2026, a match that served as a reality check but did little to dampen the optimism around Rigg. His link-up play and first-half cameo against Liverpool caught the eye of the travelling contingent, with supporters quick to label him a “future star” on social platforms.
Why Rigg’s rise matters for Sunderland’s attack
Rigg’s emergence arrives at a pivotal moment for Sunderland, who shipped 48 goals last season and finished 7th in the Premier League with 54 points from 38 games. The youngster’s ability to play in multiple attacking roles - whether as a false nine, wide creator or second striker - gives Mowbray tactical flexibility that was missing in patches last term.
The recent form shows Sunderland’s attack still has work to do: their last five matches ended 3W-0D-2L (LLWWW), with the defeats coming against top-six sides. Yet Rigg’s composure in tight spaces suggests he could be the injection of creativity the Black Cats need to turn draws into wins and climb the table early.
What comes next for Sunderland and Rigg?
Sunderland’s next step is the league opener at home to Leeds on 30 July 2026, a tie that will test the squad’s fitness and cohesion after a gruelling pre-season. Rigg will be in the mix for a starting berth, though Mowbray is likely to rotate to manage workloads after a condensed preparation.
The wider squad picture is fluid. With just one win in their last two outings and a goal difference of -6 last season, every extra creative outlet helps. If Rigg can replicate his pre-season promise, he could soon be a regular in a side chasing an immediate return to the Premier League.
Sunderland kick off their 2026-27 campaign with a home date against Leeds, a fixture that arrives as the club looks to build on a summer of promise - and Chris Rigg is leading the charge.
