There were some around Anfield who were unsure whether Jordan Henderson would ever become a Premier League winner, but those at Sunderland won’t have shared those doubts after how the midfielder broke through at the Stadium of Light.
Before becoming a serial winner as Liverpool captain, the midfielder was showcasing freestyle skills on Soccer Am’s Skill Skool and catching the eye of Roy Keane.
After making his senior debut at just 18 years old in 2009, Sunderland knew the player they had on their hands and have been looking for similar academy success ever since.
How Henderson became Sunderland’s best academy graduate
Although it was Coleman who gave him his breakthrough on loan at Coventry City, Henderson then received the majority of his opportunities at Sunderland through Steve Bruce.
The veteran manager made the then-youngster a mainstay and reaped the rewards, watching him score five goals and assist another ten during his tenure.
|
Henderson at Sunderland |
|
|---|---|
|
Games |
79 |
|
Goals |
5 |
|
Assists |
10 |
After winning the club’s Young Player of the Year award in back-to-back seasons, a big move was always inevitable and Liverpool soon came calling.
Now, over a decade later, Henderson remains the most successful player to come out of Sunderland’s academy.
He wasn’t just part of a Liverpool side that won the Champions League, Club World Cup, FA Cup, League Cup, Club World Cup and Super Cup under Jurgen Klopp. He was the captain. Not even Steven Gerrard can boast that portfolio with the Liverpool armband.
From Wearside to Liverpool greatness, it’s no surprise that Sunderland have been searching for their next Henderson ever since he departed in 2011.
The results, on that front, have of course been mixed, but Regis Le Bris may have cracked the code in the last two years and found a player who can follow in Henderson’s footsteps.
Sunderland’s new Henderson is emerging
Aside from the part when Liverpool come swooping in, Sunderland will be desperate to see Chris Rigg follow in the footsteps of Henderson.
The young midfielder has already got one over on the former Liverpool captain by debuting at 16 rather than 18, and proved against Newcastle that the only way is up.
It’s not often that a teenager gets the chance to not only start a Tyne-Wear derby but also secure victory. Henderson certainly didn’t manage to do so, suffering a 5-1 thrashing before earning a 1-1 draw. Rigg, however, did exactly that on Sunday. He simply thrives in games like these; who can forget that goal against Middlesbrough?
The 18-year-old was trusted from the start by Le Bris and played the full 90 on Sunday as the Black Cats came from behind to secure a last-gasp victory over their rivals. As a Sunderland graduate, it simply doesn’t get much better.
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Chris Rigg vs Newcastle |
|
|---|---|
|
Minutes |
90 |
|
Chances created |
3 |
|
Defensive contributions |
11 |
|
Ground Duels Won |
5/5 |
|
Touches in the opposition box |
5 |
The teenager was no passenger, either. By the time that the final whistle sounded, Rigg had made 11 defensive contributions, created three chances, taken five touches in Newcastle’s box, and won every one of his ground duels. It was the complete display on the biggest stage in Tyneside. Like a young Henderson, he was everywhere.
It’s no surprise that he was described as “phenomenal” by Como scout Ben Mattinson last year. Since then, he’s only become even better and should keep hold of his place in Le Bris’ starting side.
The bad news for Sunderland is that a mid-table spot was not enough to keep hold of Henderson in 2011 and if a side of Liverpool’s stature come calling for their latest academy star, the Black Cats could face a similar blow all these years later.
It’s largely why Le Bris must not waste the chance to get the best out of Rigg whilst he is still a Sunderland player. With seven games left to play in the Premier League, the teenager should be one of the first names on the teamsheet. He certainly proved against Newcastle that he’s ready.
Sunderland found a Jack Clarke & Jobe Bellingham hybrid vs Newcastle
Sunderland secured another famous win over Newcastle United.
