Sunderland’s 10 Greatest Premier League Loan Signings

John Mensah, or ‘The Rock of Gibraltar’ as he is otherwise known was a cut above the calibre of defender Sunderland have ordinarily had to endure.

From day one it was clear the Ghanaian was on a different level, with his physicality and bravery appreciated in the stands. Much like Onuoha, Mensah played his part in one of the few seasons where Sunderland were barely threatened by relegation.

The Rock’s only significant flaw? Injuries. If it wasn’t for his appalling injury record, Mensah would never have found himself playing at a club like Sunderland, but more likely would’ve spent his career at the top end of the league.

Nonetheless, the time he occasionally spent on the pitch was memorably brilliant.