Sunderland AFC: Chris Rigg proving bold Newcastle, Man United decision right - View | OneFootball

Chris Rigg is showing that he made the correct choice in signing his first professional contract at Sunderland.

Chris Rigg stole the headlines for his classy finish against Middlesbrough on Saturday, but the midfielder has proven with his performances that there is so much more to his game.

Despite starting the season on the bench against Cardiff City, Rigg has emerged as an integral part of the Sunderland side at just 17 years of age.

While there were links over the summer with Manchester United and Newcastle United, the central-midfielder is justifying his decision to stay at Sunderland due to his increased exposure to first team football.

Chris Rigg signed his first professional contract with Sunderland amid Premier League interest

Given his age, it is no surprise that Rigg has been the subject of interest from Premier League sides, Man United and Newcastle.

Having made his debut at 15 years of age, the midfielder gained more first team exposure last season and appeared 21 times in the Championship, scoring twice.

This summer, Rigg faced a defining decision in his career as he deliberated signing his first professional contract with the club or moving to the Premier League.

While the 17-year-old remained patient and waited for Sunderland to appoint a first team coach, as per the Sunderland Echo, rumours circulated that he might leave, but much to Sunderland fans' joy, he signed his first professional contract at the club.

Chris Rigg's performances have warranted place in Regis Le Bris' eleven

Although it seemed that the teenager might have to wait before cementing his place in the side, his performances left Regis Le Bris with no choice but to pick him in the starting eleven.

While Rigg sat on the bench in the Wearsiders' first game of the season against Cardiff, he has benefited from the absences of Dan Neil and Alan Browne and has possibly now surpassed them in the pecking order.

Indeed, since the Black Cats' victory over the Bluebirds, Rigg has started every single one of Sunderland's games and chipped in with his first goal of the season against Middlesbrough on Saturday.

While it is certain that with every performance there will come more and more media attention, his decision to stay at the Stadium of Light is proving to be the correct one.

Chris Rigg right to snub Man United and Newcastle in favour of first team football

Le Bris is not bothered by Rigg's tender years and believes that if you are good enough, then you are old enough, and Rigg is clearly benefiting from that philosophy.

As the club approaches Christmas, then the squad will be utilised increasingly and Rigg will likely be rotated, but that is when his minutes should be managed.

If Rigg had decided to leave the club for a Premier League outfit over the summer, then his development would have been stunted, and his progression would not have been so sharp. At a club like Man United or Newcastle, his minutes would have been hampered, and his profile would not have been what it is now.

Of course, Rigg is 17, and naturally he would have to bide his time at a top flight club, but like Bellingham, he has seen the benefits of plying his trade at Sunderland at least for another season.

Ultimately, interest in the teenager will gather pace, and in time it might be difficult for Sunderland to resist a sizeable offer from a European giant, but if he carries on as he is, Rigg's value is only going to increase.

The ideal scenario for Sunderland fans would be for Rigg to lead the club to promotion and ply his trade in the Premier League as a Black Cat. The worst would be to watch him playing in black and white stripes, but surely Rigg has more sense than that.

With reported interest from clubs like Real Madrid, as per HITC, Rigg's ceiling appears to be incredibly high, and while it might be tempting to move on to bigger things, the best thing the teenager can do for now, is to remain on Wearside.

Although Rigg faced a key decision in his career over the summer, he opted to sign his first professional contract at Sunderland.

His decision to remain on Wearside is proving to be a wise one as he has benefited from greater first team exposure and has become a regular starter in the process.

While there will likely be increased interest over the season, fans will be hoping Rigg can lead the club to the Premier League.