Sunderland: Regis Le Bris must consider Chris Rigg, Alan Browne call - View | OneFootball

Given Chris Rigg’s exceptional performance against Sheffield Wednesday, Regis Le Bris must consider him ahead of Alan Browne.

It is testament to Sunderland's emphatic start to the season that Regis Le Bris has already got some crucial decisions to make ahead of the Wearsiders' top of the table clash against Burnley.

Le Bris could not have envisaged that his spell in the North East would get off to such a tremendous start. With two wins, six goals and none conceded, the Frenchman is already winning over the Sunderland faithful.

On the pitch, it would be hard to single out any particular player as everyone has impressed so far. However, with all the promising performances, comes key decisions and there is one considerable call Le Bris must make before Burnley's visit.

Despite Mayenda's brace, it was Chris Rigg who caught the eye with a mature performance in central midfield. The teenager was at his dazzling best and played with an intelligence far beyond his years. Given his performance, Le Bris must make the tough decision of choosing between the 17-year-old or the experienced Alan Browne.

Rigg staking claim for starting spot

Since Rigg's debut against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup in 2023, his career has only been going in one direction. The midfielder was just 15 when he made his debut in red and white and is the youngest outfield player to ever put on the stripes of Sunderland.

While some players burst onto the scene and just as quickly disappear into nothingness, Rigg is here to stay. Such is the potential of the teenager, that Manchester United, Newcastle United, Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen have all been credited with interest in the 17-year-old, as per the Northern Echo.

Although Browne started Sunderland's opener away at Cardiff City, the former Preston North End man was absent for the visit of Wednesday with a calf problem, as per the Sunderland Echo. In Browne's absence, Rigg grasped his opportunity and flourished in the heart of the Black Cats' midfield.

The teenager is certainly the future of the club, but his performance against the Owls suggests he is the man for now. In football, it does not mattter what age you are - if you are good enough, then you are good enough.

Whether Browne will be fit for Sunderland's clash against the Clarets is unknown at this stage, but if both were fit, then Rigg would feel his performance last weekend justifies him getting the nod again.

Although Sunderland's side is seeping in talent, it is lacking in experience and that is where Browne comes in.

The 29-year-old is a grandparent among children in the Sunderland side and is the Black Cats' oldest player, along with club captain, Luke O'Nien.

It was recognised last season that the Black Cats were lacking in experience, having fielded the youngest side in the division. By bringing in Browne, the club were investing in someone with vast Championship experience and valuable leadership qualitites.

Although the former Preston man has only played one game, he looked assured alongside Dan Neil and swept up efficiently in front of the Black Cats' back line.

Indeed, his experience could prove vital for the Wearsiders this season and the 29-year-old might be Le Bris' preferred option in crunch games.

When Rigg and Browne are both available, it promises to be an intriguing decision for Le Bris. Indeed, he could go for both, but dropping Neil or Jobe Bellingham seems unlikely.

Rigg and Browne started the season exceptionally well, with both putting in assured performances for the Black Cats.

In Browne's absence against Wednesday, Rigg put in arguably his best performance to date and has given Le Bris a selection headache ahead of Burnley's visit.