Sunderland have been almost perfect defensively in their opening two fixtures.
The Black Cats have picked up two clean sheets in their wins over Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday and are the only Championship team not to concede a single goal so far.
Sunderland have done so without their usual star defender Dan Ballard, who has been sidelined since picking up an injury during pre-season.
Instead, Aji Alese has lined up alongside Luke O’Nien, with the latter scoring in each of their opening matches.
O’Nien has come under some criticism since reverting to a centre-back, but has really impressed in the opening weeks.
Following his goal against the Owls, journalist Phil Smith has claimed that his recent performances should really shut down the ‘debate’ around his position in the team.
Journalist was ‘amazed’ by Luke O’Nien doubts
Speaking on the Sunderland Echo’s YouTube channel, Smith said: “I was kind of amazed that people were still talking about O’Nien’s position coming into the season. I just think that last season he was excellent and Sunderland’s defensive record was pretty good.
“He’s clearly the best option in possession out of any of Sunderland’s options, I think those first two games of the season, if the debate comes back round, it’s kind of over now, isn’t it? Because I just don’t think anyone can realistically pick a team without O’Nien in it.
“Yeah, he makes the odd mistake, but it’s the Championship. if he didn’t make any mistakes ever and he scored goals and just consistently was raking 50 yard passes, then he’d be playing for Man City.
“So I think you’ve got to bear this in mind when you judge the performance. I don’t think there’s any reason O’Nien comes out of this team other than through injury or suspension.”
O’Nien doesn’t get the credit he deserves at Sunderland
Against Sheffield Wednesday, the 29-year-old made the most accurate passes from the home squad (48), won the joint-most headers on the pitch (3), made two tackles and three clearances.
Against Cardiff, he won the joint-most headers again (2), made the most clearances (5) and made two interceptions.
O’Nien has been pivotal to Sunderland’s improvement in defence this year and really hasn’t given fans any reason to doubt him anymore.
The defender deserves his place in the starting line-up, while he also brings leadership, experience and great personality to the dressing room.
He is delight to have in the squad and there would definitely be a huge hole at the club if he was to leave or get a long-term injury.
If Sunderland manage to get promotion then he will have played a key role in getting there.