AS a senior Wales international, with experience at Brentford and Bournemouth, Chris Mepham has seen plenty in his footballing career. Yet even he was taken aback by his early encounters with Chris Rigg.
Rigg’s meteoric rise continued at the weekend as the 17-year-old midfielder produced a sensational back-heeled finish to settle the Wear-Tees derby at the Stadium of Light.
Mepham joined Sunderland on deadline-day at the end of last month, but had no real idea of Rigg’s burgeoning potential when he moved to the North-East.
He knows all about it now though, and is convinced Sunderland’s latest academy graduate has everything needed to make it to the very top.
“I must admit, I didn’t realise how young Chris was, probably until about a week in,” said Mepham, who made his Black Cats debut at centre-half at the weekend. “I couldn’t believe it.
“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.”
In particular, Mepham has been impressed with Rigg’s leadership qualities and willingness to voice his opinion, despite his tender years.
“Typically, a 17-year-old might be a bit more inclined to keep himself to himself or be a bit more reserved,” he said. “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.”
While Mepham does not turn 27 until November, he nevertheless finds himself as one of the most experienced members of a Sunderland squad that does not feature a single player over 30 who has played a minute of Championship football so far this season.
He was signed on a season-long loan to help add some experience and nous to the dressing room, and will be doing all he can to help Rigg as he continues to develop in the first-team environment.
“I’ve seen a fair amount and players with a lot of potential who have all the ability in the world, but probably struggle a bit with the other side of the game,” said Mepham. “It’s important to keep your feet on the ground, keep working hard and not become complacent and stop doing the things that got you into the first team.
