One Black Cats player has been praised by former Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole as a “pressing machine.”
Sunderland has not played with much intensity this season.
The Black Cats were an extremely spirited team the last time around, playing without a minute’s rest for the opposition under Tony Mowbray.
However, Sunderland now appears to be a rather slow team following Michael Beale’s 12-game tenure and the contentious methods of the club’s current temporary manager, Mike Dodds.
Sunderland’s lack of enthusiasm during Millwall’s loss was apparent.
Prior to their 1-0 loss at Watford on Saturday, Sunderland’s most recent game ended in a 1-0 loss at home against Millwall.
After the match, Sunderland supporters vented their resentment at Dodds for what was undoubtedly one of the worst and most boring displays of the season.
It lacked passion, encapsulated a disappointing season overall, and demonstrated the stark contrast in tempo from the team’s Mowbray-era style.
However, a small number of players are still giving it their all and maintaining the required level of intensity in their play.
Lee Cattermole, amazed by the gem in Sunderland Chris Rigg
Recently, Cattermole was on Total Sport.
He talked about a variety of topics, such as Sunderland’s current season and the owners’ summertime obligations.
Cattermole also talked about Chris Rigg, a teenager from Sunderland.
This season, the 16-year-old has made 20 appearances in the Championship and has scored twice.
And as the season has progressed, Rigg has started the last six games for the Black Cats XI, solidifying his position as a regular starter.
Speaking first about Rigg and then on Sunderland’s recent performance, Cattermole said:
“I don’t see a group of young guys, young players with talent, playing freely… They must be on the field, making decisions based on their observations and emotions throughout play. Consider Chris Rigg as an example. Chris Rigg appears to be a well-oiled machine.
He appears to be the only player who plays with passion, both when in and out of the game, and for that he should be wearing a Sunderland shirt. He must be getting into the game. Despite his age of sixteen, he appears to be a player who wants to push one midfielder before dropping back to the center-half position. Allow him to investigate that further. People like Fabio Borini and Seb Larsson used to do that.
What’s next for Chris Rigg?
This summer, Rigg will be 17 and is expected to sign a professional contract with Sunderland.
And with a season of championship experience under his belt, he may very well be counted on to really get this Sunderland club going moving into the upcoming pro season.
He has been one of the Black Cats’ greatest players these past few weeks, despite his advanced age.
As stated by Cattermole, he is among the select few who truly hunt down opposing defenders and embodies the essence of the former Mowbray style of play.
Cattermole’s parallels to Fabio Borini and Seb Larsson, two former fan favorites, are also a great compliment to the adolescent.
If Rigg stays at the Stadium of Light for the upcoming season, great things are in store for him.
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