Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips has revealed he would name Luke O’Nien as his Black Cats Player of the Season.
O’Nien has made 43 appearances this season and is one of the first names on manager Phil Parkinson’s teamsheet.
The former Wycombe Wanderers star has made the successful transition from central midfield to right-wing-back and has been one of Sunderland’s key performers since joining in the summer of 2018.
His performances have caught Phillips’ eye and if he was to choose his Sunderland Player of the Year now, O’Nien would get his vote, despite Jon McLaughlin, Lynden Gooch and Chris Maguire also impressing the former England international.
When asked who would receive his vote for Player of the Season, Phillips told Football Insider: “I would have to say O’Nien. He has probably been the most consistent performer.
“The keeper has been good as well, pulled off some crucial saves but O’Nien for his versatility. He has that never-say-die attitude and just keeps going.
“From what I gather, he is first in the stadium and last out and is the same on the training pitch. That does not automatically give you Player of the Season but I like his attitude.
“I know Gooch and Maguire have come good of late but in the early part of the season, they were not effective. I would probably say O’Nien.”
