Luke O’Nien shows true class as exit-bound Sunderland ace speaks out – Exclusive
Luke O’Nien has once again been picked out at Sunderland for all the work he does behind the scenes.
The Englishman joined the Black Cats back in 2018 as a largely unknown quantity after a three-year stint with Wycombe Wanderers in League Two.
Since then, the 30-year-old has gone on to be a cult-hero with the Mackems, most recently lifting the Championship play-off trophy with a dislocated shoulder at Wembley.
This has helped cement his status at the Stadium of Light, with the versatile defender already well appricated by his teammates regardless of his achievements.
O’Nien picked out as Sunderland ace departs
With promotion being a possibility under Regis Le Bris for the majority of the season, decisions over those at the end of their contract had to be made.
This was the case for midfielder Cuba Mitchell, who was informed of his release just days before the play-off final in the capital.
Despite being on his way out of the north east, the soon-to-be Bangladesh international has spoken fondly about his time with the Black Cats.
This has seen the 19-year-old pick out both O’Nien, Eliezer Mayenda and the already departed Jobe Bellingham as first-team stars who improved his experience in SR5.
Speaking exclusively to Mackem News, Micthell said: “Not just the young lads, but the senior players have helped me.
“Jobe [Bellingham], I was with at Birmingham City, so we already knew each other. I felt like that made it more comfortable for us both being there.
“Mayenda, players like that, I talk to every day at the club, and they’re really supportive and give you any help they can.
“The senior players, we’ve got Luke O’Nien, who’s probably the nicest guy I’ve ever met. He’s a proper leader and he’d always help you with anything, so he’s probably the biggest support in the first team.
“It’s a really good group, there aren’t many who wouldn’t support and talk to you, they’re just the ones I would pick out.“
Mitchell speaks highly of O’Nien at Sunderland
It says a lot about a player when they can face the chop, but still speak fondly of their experiences just weeks after the decision was made.
This is certainly the case with Mitchell, who has a number of fond memories at Sunderland with many star names who have made his time at the Academy of Light.
It will come as little surprise to many that O’Nien has made a name for himself as one of the favourites of both fans and players alike.
| Stat | Luke O’Nien |
| Appearances | 314 |
| Goals | 23 |
| Assists | 12 |
While the skipper prepares for life in the Premier League, the 19-year-old is already kicking off training as he goes in search of a new club away from SR5.