While Granit Xhaka has taken over the on-field captaincy duties this season, O’Nien remains the club captain and a hugely-influential figure within the Black Cats dressing room.
Earlier this week, the defender caused something of a social-media storm when he responded to a request to send a supporter a birthday message with a live Facetime call that was extremely well received.
The spontaneous interaction summed up O’Nien’s character, while also highlighting the valuable role he continues to play as the heartbeat of this Sunderland team.
“He’s [O’Nien] really well connected with his attitude,” said Le Bris, who was speaking ahead of his side’s Sunday afternoon game with Fulham. “I really want to highlight the way he behaves every day, he’s so well connected with the lads.
“He’s the club captain, but not the match captain. The way he connects with the collective ambition, first of all, and then his own way to manage every opportunity to grow is perfect.
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“I think for the manager, coaching staff and for the young players as well, when they struggle because they don't play as they would like, you see a player like him and you say, ‘I can be inspired by him’.”
O’Nien had the opportunity to leave Sunderland in January, with a number of Championship clubs making loan offers that would have presented the 31-year-old with an opportunity play every week.
Instead, O’Nien opted to remain at Sunderland, using a recent interview to underline just how much the club means to him and how much he is enjoying life in the Premier League, even if his time on the pitch is restricted.
Le Bris has been impressed with O’Nien’s character and attitude ever since he arrived on Wearside, regarding the defender as the consummate professional.
“Sometimes, in football, you can meet talented players with bad behaviours,” he said. “If every day you have those behaviours under your eyes, maybe you will be inspired negatively. It's totally the opposite with him.
“His profile is really rare, so we have to enjoy having someone like him in the squad. He's always positive, even when he didn't play a lot. His behaviour is always connected with, one thing, the squad.
“Squad first, team first. Then, two, I want to improve myself through different experiences. You don’t play, and as a footballer you want to play, but he can seize everything to get better.”