Sunderland ace Chris Rigg names which Premier League legend is the ‘best player’ he’s played against

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Sunderland starlet Chris Rigg has faced some stellar competition in the young midfielder’s short career so far.

Chris Rigg’s rapid rise to footballing stardom has been one of the driving factors behind Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League.

Academy of Light graduate Rigg made his Championship debut only last season, and has gone on to make 47 appearances in all competitions this term, to help propel the Black Cats to the top flight.

At only 17-years-old Rigg has proven that, despite the physical rigours and quality of the English Football League, age is just a number when it comes to football, after exemplifying the source of Sunderland’s success this season.

Earlier this season, the Sunderland starlet named the best player he’s played against in his 72-game career so far.

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Chris Rigg names Jamie Vardy as best opponent Sunderland ace has played against

Despite being only 17, Rigg has played an integral role in the Black Cats’ promotion campaign, and has been likened to Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal for his efforts this season.

Sunderland academy product Rigg won Apprentice of the Season for his exploits in the second tier this season after notching four goals and one assist under Regis Le Bris.

In his programme notes earlier this season ahead of the Championship play-off final, Rigg revealed that the best player he’s played against is none other than Leicester City and Premier League legend Jamie Vardy.

When asked to name the best player you’ve played against, Rigg answered: “Jamie Vardy. He never stopped running.”

The game Rigg is referring to came towards the end of last season, when then-Championship leaders Leicester beat Sunderland 1-0 at the Stadium of Light in March, thanks to an early Vardy strike.

Then-16-year-old Rigg was granted his first league start in red-and-white by interim head coach Mike Dodds that evening against the Foxes.

Rigg’s defensive efforts saw the youngster handball from an attempted cross by Callum Doyle and concede a free-kick.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s ensuing cross was headed on by Wout Faes and saved well by Anthony Patterson before Vardy, in his typical goal poaching fashion, tapped home from point blank range for the Foxes.

The versatile midfielder’s importance to this Sunderland side is undeniable, and it will be next season also in the Premier League, as Rigg must be kept at all costs this summer amid Jobe Bellingham’s looming move to the Bundesliga.

Rigg has all the talent, mental strength, and potential to end up a Premier League great like Vardy in the future.

However, when comparing the opening stages of both Rigg and Vardy’s careers, they could not be more different.

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Chris Rigg will take a different path to Premier League stardom to Jamie Vardy

Rigg has cemented himself as one of the top prospects in English football and is poised to make his Premier League debut next season, just months after his 18th birthday in June.

Leicester legend Vardy, however, didn’t make his Premier League debut until he was 27-years-old, in a substitute appearance in a 1-1 draw against Arsenal.

Since his top flight debut, Vardy has gone on to score 145 goals and notch 50 assists in 342 Premier League appearances, scooping a winners’ medal and Player of the Year award in the process.

In stark contrast to Rigg, Vardy was released by Sheffield Wednesday at just 16, before being picked up by Stocksbridge Park Steels before moving on to Halifax Town, Fleetwood Town and finally Leicester where he achieved icon footballing status.

Vardy is set to become a free agent this summer, after he bid farewell to Leicester following their relegation to the Championship.

If Vardy is bought by a Premier League side ahead of next season, the 26-capped England international will be once again pitted against Sunderland starlet Rigg.