"I couldn't believe it" - Sunderland AFC: Chris Mepham reveals what surprised him about Chris Rigg | OneFootball

Chris Mepham has revealed he was taken aback by Sunderland's rising star Chris Rigg

Chris Mepham has tipped Sunderland's rising star Chris Rigg to enjoy an "unbelievable career", having been taken aback by the 17-year-old after making the move to the Stadium of Light in the summer.

47-cap Wales international Mepham signed for Sunderland on a season-long loan deal from Bournemouth and made his debut in Saturday afternoon's slender 1-0 Tees-Wear Derby victory over Middlesbrough.

The bragging rights, of course, were installed on Wearside this time out, with Rigg scoring the game's only goal after 24 minutes on the clock to open his account for the 2024/25 Championship campaign. Indeed, his audacious backheeled effort only further outlined his quality.

The midfield prodigy has emerged as a potential superstar in the making over the last couple of years, earning rave reviews during his days in Sunderland's academy and attracting interest from some of Europe's elite clubs such as Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Liverpool before penning his first professional contract with the Black Cats back in July.

His development has accelerated during the early stages of the current season, however, with Rigg transpiring as a real standout in Regis Le Bris' side. Sunderland find themselves second in the league table after six matches and Rigg has started all but one of those, playing in both deeper and more advanced midfield roles.

Chris Mepham's Sunderland, Chris Rigg verdict

Mepham, who has turned out for the likes of Brentford and Bournemouth alongside earning his stripes at senior international level, is well-placed to assess talent.

However, he was taken aback by Rigg upon signing for the club, believing that the midfielder's talent, application and leadership qualities belie his tender years.

"I think I got asked in a Q&A recently who's impressed me the most and he's the first person who came to mind, just the way he carries himself. He carries himself like he's been around for years.

"On the pitch, he looks so cool, calm and collected, and also, he's a top, top guy. It's important to keep him down to earth and humble, but I have no doubts he'll have an unbelievable career.

"Typically, a 17-year-old might be a bit more inclined to keep himself to himself or be a bit more reserved. It's normally not until you're 20, 21, 22 when you feel like you can have a bit more authority and dictate to other players.

"But he's 17 and has the respect of everyone inside the club, rightly so. It gives him the freedom to lead. The combination of that and his quality on the ball, it's an amazing combination."

Sunderland's Chris Rigg is a superstar in the making

Thus far, the indication is very much that Rigg has the potential to become a bona fide superstar, such is his talent and potential.

A natural leader, Rigg does not shy away from the uglier side of the game by getting stuck in and breaking up play, but he is also precociously talented on the ball and can deliver game-deciding moments - as shown on Saturday.

There are perhaps no notable flaws to his game, and that will only leave him in good stead moving forward. At the minute, his footballing ceiling appears to be as high as he chooses it to be - and it will only grow further if his early-season performances continue.