A Sunderland player has been defended amid criticism on social media.
Sunderland players were under the microscope last season, following their disappointing second half of the campaign.
The Black Cats endured a torrid 2023/24 season on and off the pitch with many of their problems stemming from the December sacking of Tony Mowbray, and the subsequent appointment of Michael Beale.
Lasting just 12 games, Beale would be replaced by Mike Dodds on an interim basis, with Dodds overseeing a highly disappointing 16th place finish in the final Championship table.
Several players came under criticism for their performances in the 2023/24 campaign, with sporting director Kristjaan Speakman also criticised for bringing certain players to the Stadium of Light.
The likes of Luis Hemir became key sources of criticism among Sunderland fans, along with the likes of Patrick Roberts among others.
Michel Graham defends Luke O’Nien at Sunderland
Another player who can prove very divisive among Sunderland fans is club captain Luke O’Nien.
The 29-year-old featured 43 times in the Championship last season and scored two goals, playing the entire campaign at centre-back.
He provides versatility and experience in a side which often lacks both. But O’Nien was often a source of criticism with some Sunderland fans thinking he’s not at the level required to challenge for promotion to the Premier League.
Amid recent discussion about O’Nien on social media, journalist Michael Graham has defended the Sunderland skipper.
He posted on X:
Luke O’Nien Sunderland future is clear to see
O’Nien, with 265 Sunderland appearances to his name and 85 in the Championship, brings an experience to the side that may only be evident when he’s not available.
Last season he was available for almost the whole season, which in a team seemingly susceptible to injuries is also key.
And like Graham says, O’Nien also brings versatility to the side and is a real battler on the pitch.
But at 29 years old, Sunderland may not view O’Nien as much of a long-term option, and with his contract out in 2026, it may be safe to assume that Sunderland will let that run down.
At which point he’ll be 31 and the Black Cats may hope to be in the Premier League, though how realistic that is remains to be seen.
There’d be little point selling O’Nien now just to take a small fee, and there’d be no sense in selling an experienced player when the side is still very inexperienced.
So expect O’Nien to be in or around the Sunderland XI for a couple more years yet.