‘It was unbelievable’ – Chris Mepham admits to major shock on joining Sunderland

Chris Mepham, a senior Wales international with club experience at Brentford and Bournemouth, has seen a lot in his football career. Even he was caught aback by his first encounters with Christopher Rigg.

Rigg’s remarkable ascent continued over the weekend, when the 17-year-old midfielder scored a spectacular back-heeled finish to win the Wear-Tees derby at the Stadium of Light.

Mepham joined Sunderland on deadline day at the end of last month, but he had no knowledge of Rigg’s growing talent when he arrived to the North East.

He knows all about it now, and he believes Sunderland’s latest academy graduate has what it takes to reach the top.

“I must admit, I didn’t realise how young Chris was, probably until about a week in,” said Mepham, who made his debut at centre-back for the Black Cats at the weekend. “I could not believe it.

In a recent Q&A, I was asked who impressed me the most, and he immediately sprang to mind due to his demeanour. He carries himself as if he’s been around for years.

“On the pitch, he seems so cool, calm, and collected, and he’s a top-notch man. It’s crucial to keep him grounded and humble, but I have no doubt he’ll have an incredible career.”

Mepham has been particularly pleased with Rigg’s leadership abilities and willingness to express himself, despite his young age.

“Typically, a 17-year-old might be a bit more inclined to keep himself to himself or be a bit more reserved,” he told me. “It’s usually not until you’re 20, 21, or 22 that you feel comfortable dictating to other players.

“But he’s 17 and has earned the respect of everyone in the club, and rightfully so. It provides him the freedom to lead. That, combined with his ball-handling abilities, is an incredible combo.”

While Mepham will not be 27 until November, he is one of the most experienced players of a Sunderland squad that has not had a single player over 30 play a minute of Championship football this season.

He was signed on a season-long loan to provide some experience and nous to the dressing room, and he will do everything he can to assist Rigg as he continues to develop in the first-team setting.

“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,” Mepham told ESPN. “It’s critical to maintain your feet on the ground, keep working hard, and avoid becoming complacent and abandoning the characteristics that propelled you to the first team.

“It’s simple things like arriving on time and not being sloppy with day-to-day tasks. I can help with things like that, and the club made it obvious that I needed to come in and provide my knowledge and experience.”