Sunderland star Chris Rigg reacts to message from PSG ace Ousmane Dembele
Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg has reacted to a message shared by PSG superstar Ousmane Dembele.
The France international scored as Luis Enrique’s men hammered fellow European giants Real Madrid 4-0 in the Club World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, 9 July.
PSG are set to face Chelsea in the showpiece final on Sunday, 13 July, and could prove too strong for Enzo Maresca’s side to stop.
Dembele’s rich vein of form has continued in the Club World Cup, as he has notched two goals and one assist in just three appearances.
Rigg reacts as PSG star Dembele looks ahead to the Club World Cup final
After winning the Champions League in May, Enrique’s PSG can further etch themselves into the history books by beating Chelsea on Sunday.
Dembele celebrated the Paris side’s progress to the Club World Cup final via Instagram on Wednesday, as he posted: “A new finale!”
The 28-year-old’s triumphant message attracted a like from Rigg, who played a key role as Sunderland clinched promotion to the Premier League last term.
Sunderland summer signings can help Rigg adjust to the Premier League
Football Insider verdict
Rigg enjoyed a successful season in the Championship with Sunderland last campaign, helping the Black Cats reach the top six before beating Sheffield United in May’s playoff final.
| Chris Rigg stats | Championship 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 42 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 1 |
The 18-year-old displayed his tenacity in the second tier, as well as showing his attacking class by notching four goals and an assist in 42 league appearances.
However, the midfielder now faces a tough challenge as he looks to help Regis Le Bris’ men survive in the Premier League after returning to the top flight for the first time since suffering relegation to the Championship back in 2017.
But the North East club’s eye-catching summer additions can help Rigg adjust to the demands of the top tier.
For instance, Sunderland have signed Habib Diarra from Strasbourg, who proved himself as one of the most promising talents in French Ligue 1 next season.
The presence of the likes of Diarra and fellow summer capture Noah Sadiki, who performed well in midfield for Belgian side Union St Gilloise last term, can allow Rigg to reach a new level.
Meanwhile, Sunderland have been tipped to take a punt on Ukrainian forward Vladyslav Vanat in the summer transfer market in a Mackem News exclusive.