Luke O’Nien has played for Sunderland for 6 years now and has been a key member of their squad across the years.

And now as Sunderland are making a push to return to Premier League football, having won all 4 of their EFL Championship games this season, O’Nien is proving just how key he is to this squad.

We thought we would take a look at just how much of an impact he is having on this Sunderland side.

🎯 Back-to-back goals
🧱 Back-to-back clean sheets
📈 Back-to-back wins@LukeONien 😍 pic.twitter.com/Snnz6FKE63

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 18, 2024

Who Is Luke O’Nien?

29 year old Luke O'Nien came into professional football through the youth academy of Watford. However after 2 loan spells and just 1 appearance for the Hornets, O’Nien left for Wycombe Wanderers in 2015.

O’Nien proved to be a key part for Wycombe making 101 appearances for the club. Even helping them to promotion to League One in the 2017-18 season.

After such incredible performances for the Chairboys, Sunderland came calling and he signed for the club in 2018.

And since signing he has had a massive impact for the team. In 2020-21 he was named in the EFL League One Team of the Season before being named club captain at the start of this season.

Nine years ago, my dad came home with a call from Watford. I thought it was about a new contract. Instead, he told me I had been released, three weeks after the season ended, after being led to believe I was getting another year. Thirteen years at Watford, and my dad was the one… pic.twitter.com/THTlFyhgdi

— Luke O'Nien (@LukeONien) May 26, 2024

How Has Luke O’Nien Started This Season?

Since taking the captain’s armband at the start of the season O’Nien has started all 4 of the EFL Championship games this season.

And along the way he has picked up 2 goals and 1 assist.

Not only this but he has been a big part of Sunderland’s incredible defence this year as well. Sunderland have only conceded 1 goal this season in the opening 4 games with Luke O’Nien playing a key part.

Great start to the campaign from the boys in 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Thank you travelling fans!!!!❤️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/cCNRcYSqLj

— Luke O'Nien (@LukeONien) August 10, 2024

Why Is Luke O’Nien So Key?

O’Nien has proven to be a provider of goals and assists so far this season but his defensive play has also been superb.

But O'Nien offers so much more than that.

He is certainly passionate about the club and his passion has made him a fan favourite in recent years. He may not be from the area but he lives and breathes Sunderland constantly putting himself on the line for the benefit of the club.

All you have to do is look at his passion on the pitch to see that.

And to have a player like that in your squad - especially as the captain of the team - can be huge as it not only can boost the fans but also the rest of his team.

With O’Nien Sunderland would surely be half the team that they are at the moment. And if Sunderland are to get promoted or even win the league title come the end of the season he will surely be a big part of the journey.

"Sheffield Wednesday are in shock!" 😲

Luke O'Nien tips it in to make it three for Sunderland! 💥 pic.twitter.com/cHJDKks17a

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) August 18, 2024

Want to know more about Sunderland’s journey this season? Take a look at our tactical analysis on our YouTube channel below.