Luke O’Nien details classy Granit Xhaka leadership act that inspired Newcastle United derby win

Luke O’Nien has spoken candidly about what it has been like working alongside Granit Xhaka at Sunderland, admitting the experience has had a profound impact on him both as a player and as a leader.

Speaking after Sunderland’s FA Cup win over Everton, O’Nien reflected on the responsibility he has carried this season and the influence Xhaka has had behind the scenes, particularly after moments such as the recent Premier League clash with Newcastle United, where O’Nien addressed the squad pre-match with Xhaka deliberately stepping aside.

“To be honest, it meant the absolute world,” O’Nien said when asked about Xhaka’s act before the game against Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light last year, which Sunderland won 1-0 thanks to a stunning Nick Woltemade own goal. “He is one of, if not the best, leaders in football, and he gave me that honour. I honestly wouldn’t be able to put into words how much that meant to me.

“He’s a special player. I do pinch myself sometimes that he’s still here and that he’s bringing the club forward in so many different ways. The conversations he has, the way he is – before the game today, he was telling me what’s important, what to look for and what to do. He’s such an easy guy to talk to, whether that’s about football, family, the past or the future. He’s just such a good guy.”

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O’Nien also highlighted the wider culture within Régis Le Bris’ squad, stressing that the leadership group extends far beyond one individual and is built on strong personalities and elite standards. “That’s backed up by many other players like Enzo, like Nordi, like Omar and Lucha,” he added. “First and foremost, they’re really good human beings. Then you add their leadership skills and their ability – it’s something I’ve never seen before.

“We’ve got players playing at the highest level, and I’m in it every single day learning from them. I appreciate how much they put in, how much they work, and how they’ve brought my game on. I haven’t played as many minutes as I’d like to, but they’ve raised my game from watching them, pushing them every day and listening to the way they talk.”

The Sunderland defender was clear that the environment created by senior figures like Xhaka is driving standards across the squad, regardless of individual minutes on the pitch. “I’m very grateful for the boys and the whole team we’ve got,” O’Nien said. “We’re in a nice place, but if you stand still, you’re moving backwards. You’ve got to keep moving forwards.”

O’Nien’s long-standing connection with Sunderland, however, appears as strong as ever. Speaking after Sunderland’s FA Cup win at Everton and tie at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, O’Nien was emphatic when asked directly about his future and the speculation around him. “I am going absolutely nowhere, so yeah, I’m staying at Sunderland.

“Someone told me that (there were links), apparently, I’m not on social media. I delete it when I’m not using it, so I’m at home with the kids, so someone’s told me I’m linked with x, y and z and asking if something’s really true. I’ll be staying here unless someone’s trying to kick me out, even then, I’ll still probably stay. Listen, I’ve got a lot of stuff. I’m listening to the club, and I’ve got to keep getting better. I’ve got to keep pushing the people in front of me, and I’m really enjoying my life.”

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