John Mensah was a boulder incarnate. He earned the nickname Rock Of Gibraltar in his home country for his sheer strength. The Ghanaians loved him, and his force was soon felt on Wearside. At 5'10", Mensah wasn't the tallest defender around at the time, but his uncompromising style ensured that he didn't need height on his side, he'd just take the ball off the strikers anyway. Steve Bruce brought the defender to Sunderland in 2009 on a season-long loan deal, and his presence was felt as the team only lost five of the 16 league games he played in that season. He returned for a second loan spell, but unfortunately, his career was ravished by injuries. If John Mensah was fit for a whole season, he would've been a truly incredible defender. However, if John Mensah was fit for a whole season, he'd wouldn't have even played for a team like Sunderland.
What Culture contributor. NCTJ accredited Sports Journalist. Regret-filled Sunderland AFC season ticket holder. Optimism-filled NFL fan. Lover of all things Game Of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Walking Dead & more.
