Dan Rigge’s football ethos is clear.
“I like to get on the ball and create things,” he explains. “When I play, I’m a risk-taker. I don’t take the easy option.”
With that mindset, Rigge has adapted well to the Academy of Football, then. Signed from Manchester City ahead of the league and cup double triumph last campaign, the 17-year-old has gone from strength to strength this season.
After appearing 24 times for the U18s in 2022/23, Rigge has scored three goals in five matches this term. He’s making quite an impression under U18s lead coach Kevin Keen and was rewarded with his first professional contract earlier this week.
“I have learnt so much from Kev over the past year or so,” Rigge explained. “He's a great manager and gets the best from us.
“My game is very technical. I have a creative pass. I'm always looking for through balls, and have an eye for a goal or two as well.
“Kev has helped me develop off the ball and that has really improved me as a player. He pushes us, tells us to work hard, and makes sure we do every day. I think that’s why we did so well last year and hopefully, we can do as well this year again.”
Bravely playing with a face mask during the first few games of the season following a broken nose suffered against Arsenal on the opening day, the attacking midfielder has been ever-present this term.
Goals in three straight wins over Norwich City, Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion showed his quality. Then, last time out, a 2-2 draw against Southampton stretched the U18s’ unbeaten run to six games in all competitions.
Born in Stockport, the former Manchester City youth has made east London his home.
“My family have worked so hard to get me here – so hopefully they are proud,” he added.
“My young brother has been really excited to see everything, and we went to the game against Newcastle. It was his second time at London Stadium, and he loved it!”
Of course, the first time at the Hammers' home was watching Rigge play in an FA Youth Cup semi-final last April. Here, Rigge helped his side beat Southampton and then Arsenal in a memorable run to the fourth FA Youth Cup in the Club’s history.
Appearances from the bench in both saw the Emirates and London Stadium ticked off the list by his 17th birthday. Pretty impressive, right?
“Winning the FA Youth Cup was one of the best feelings I’ve had in football,” Rigge added.
“It makes you want to achieve even more because if that was what it was like in front of 10,000, imagine what it would be like in front of 50,000!
“The support was amazing, and I don’t think you would get that at another Club. Playing in front of fans like that builds experience. But the success we had last year, why can’t we do it again?
That will be the goal for Rigge. He is settled now and is ready to kick-on. The U21s is the next aim for the talented youngster.
“The goals have come more this year," he added. "So hopefully I can keep providing goals and assists for the team.
"I want to get into the U21s and do well at the Club in the future. It would mean the world to me to make it long-term in the game.”
