Interview #4- Jacob Mensah

Jacob Mensah is an 18 year old center back currently playing for Crystal Palace's under 23's. A strong, physical youngster with loads of potential, Palace recently got Mensah from non league side, Ramsgate. At Ramsgate he was exposed to first team action at 15, giving him quality experience at such a young age.

How would you describe your time at Ramsgate?
It was a great time for me, I developed and learnt so much over the 3 years I was there and especially in the first two years. Being 15 in a men’s team isn’t easy but I had good guidance. I had Lloyd Blackman as my manager who was more than I could’ve asked for as a coach. 

How did you feel after singing for Crystal Palace?
I felt ecstatic! There’s no feeling like it. Being a step closer to your dream and progressing and developing as a person is amazing

What was your youth career like?
I started of at Hurricanes (a grass roots team) when I was 9 through till I was 15 then from there I moved to Margate u16 for a season then to the mighty rams when everything kickstarted! 

What are you goals for this season? 
My goals for this season are to cement my place as the starting centre back in the u23s and start to push first team and get appearances on the bench.

How did you feel after winning the Kent Cup final?
There’s no feeling like it when you put such a hard graft in all season, as a team we rallied together and worked together in anything we did. Being great mates is also a bonus to having a successful team so it was one of the best feelings.

Favorite player?
Van Dijk 

Nike or Adidas?
Nike

In three words, describe yourself?
Eccentric, chilled, outgoing.

Craziest story from your career so far?
Kent cup final, penalty conceded, another penalty we save then me having to go centre mid for extra time.

Favorite food?
Curry goat and rice.

Worst weather you’ve ever played in?
-5 and rainy

Messi or Ronaldo?
Ronaldo

Best player you’ve ever played against?
Zak Ansah

What advice would you give to younger stars who want to become pro?
I would say don’t ever stop, go to every training session no matter how you feel. Headaches and colds are no excuse. And stick at one club and work hard in every game and training session so that you try and make a name for yourself. And don’t let criticism or opinions get to you, just focus on your goal (no pun intended!) and keep working towards it. 

Do you have hobbies outside of football, if so what?
I’m a gamer so i love playing fifa, COD and all those games, also love playing tennis.

What separates an amateur to a pro?
Dedication, hard work, patience, trust and taking information on board.

Your biggest role model?
Van dijk without a doubt...

Any last words for the readers?
If the viewers are footballers or aspiring to be one, don’t overthink anything or get stressed in situations on and off the pitch because that’s the worst thing you can do, be patient and calm and think thoroughly how you can overcome those obstacles.

Blog by Chris Dailey

Photo via https://www.cpfc.co.uk/teams/u23-team/player2/jacob-mensah/