Ghana’s Jonathan Mensah has been named as the defender of the year for 2020 for Columbus Crew SC in America after a sizzling campaign in the MLS.
Jonathan Mensah played every single minute of every match (including the MLS is Back Tournament Knockout Stage match and all four postseason matches), making 28 appearances (all starts) across all competitions in 2020.
Mensah provided a stabilizing presence for a Crew SC backline in his first season as team captain. Mensah led the League in blocks (30), passes (1,473) and clearances (114) in regular-season action.
The defender also helped the Crew post nine shutouts in regular-season action – tied for most by an MLS team this season – as well as three shutouts in a row in postseason action to close out the championship run and win MLS Cup 2020. Mensah was named to MLS’ Best XI lineup for 2020 and was also named as a finalist for MLS Defender of the Year.
The Ghanaian is one of only two players to win the Club’s award three years in a row (2018-2020), a record shared with Chad Marshall (2008-2010).