John Mensah Bio Send To Friend  

At the age of just 26, journeyman defender John Mensah has played for an astonishing nine clubs in nine years, and is currently on-loan at Premier League side Sunderland from Olympique Lyonnais. The Ghana international began his career on youth terms with MBC Accra before joining Italian outfit Bologna in 2000. He spent a year in Switzerland with Bellinzona before returning to Italy to play for Genoa, Chievo Verona, Modena and Cremonese.

Mensah got his real break when moving to France in January 2006, signing for Stade Rennes. His superb performances for Rennes - he was named the best defender in France by France Football in November 2006 - led to interest from Premier League clubs but he joined Lyon in the summer of 2008 for a reported fee of €8.4 million. He struggled to make an impression with the fallen champions, starting just 11 Ligue 1 games in a 2008-09 season plagued by injury.

But his luck seems to have changed as he has impressed with some commanding displays for Sunderland since arriving on loan. The defender has been a mainstay in the Ghana defence since making his debut in 2001 and has captained the Black Stars on several occasions. He played in the 2002 and 2006 African Nations Cups, the 2004 Olympics and helped Ghana reach the last 16 at the 2006 World Cup.

Strengths: Physically imposing, immense in the air and intelligent when reading the game.

Weaknesses: Injury-prone Mensah has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career and any knock picked up before the finals will leave Ghana biting their nails as to whether he will be fit.

Career High: Reaching the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship final with Ghana. Mensah scored the golden goal that knocked out a Brazil side containing Kaka, Adriano and Julio Baptista.

Career Low: An injury ravaged 2008-09 campaign left Mensah unable to make an impression at Lyon after the biggest move of his career.

Style: Colossal defender who is great in the air and is able to play at centre back or left back.

Quotes: "You just see Mensah and you look and think, 'That's a bit of quality'. He has got that arrogance that top players have got, he is quick, powerful, he jumps, heads the ball well, he's tough. That's why he is captain of his country." Sunderland manager Steve Bruce, September 2009.

Trivia: Mensah's nickname is "Rock of Gibraltar" due to his imposing and sturdy frame.

Soccernet says: A rock in the heart of the Ghana defence, Mensah's vast experience at playing in big international tournaments will be a great asset to the Black Stars, and his move to Sunderland will allow him to hone his skills marking the likes of Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba.