Luke O’Nien has singled out a Sunderland teammate from whom he has gained valuable lessons amidst a challenging season.
Luke O’Nien, who joined Sunderland in 2018, has surpassed the milestone of 250 appearances for the club. The versatile 29-year-old has been a mainstay in the senior squad, featuring in midfield and various defensive roles. With Sunderland’s return to the Championship, O’Nien has found a permanent spot in central defense and has taken on added responsibility as the captain, following Corry Evans’ sidelining due to injury in January 2023, with Dan Neil serving as vice-captain.
Despite Sunderland’s challenging campaign resulting in a 16th-place finish, O’Nien acknowledges learning from his teammate Corry Evans, whom he succeeded as captain. He credits his growth as a person and a player to the coaching staff’s guidance, expressing a determination to improve performances and justify their efforts.
While O’Nien has faced criticism at times, his dedication to Sunderland is unquestionable, and his admiration for Evans suggests the latter’s importance as a mentor. With Evans’ contract set to expire, there’s uncertainty about his future, despite his positive impact on and off the field. Retaining Evans for another year could provide valuable experience and leadership in the dressing room, even if he doesn’t feature regularly in the starting lineup.