Why Jeremy Menez Was AC Milan's Standout Performer in March

It has to be Jeremy Menez. No other AC Milan player really stood out.

That can be said for the entire season. The 27-year-old forward sticks out by default. He is the one scoring the goals—even if half of them are penalties—and giving fans something to watch.

After all, this is a career year for Menez. Never before has he scored in the double digits with any club in a single season.

He does have selfish tendencies. The YouTube highlights don't capture the moments when he keeps the ball too long, ignores teammates and struggles to get back. But he is the single shining light in a dull constellation.

Milan do not play good football. Menez at least tries to do something.

"

Menez tekkers. https://t.co/ELd1IhskD0

— Anthony Lopopolo (@sportscaddy) December 14, 2014"

March was no different. The Rossoneri played just three matches, winning once, but he was responsible for four of Milan's six goals throughout the month. Two were penalties—making his total eight on the season—and the other was a cool, curling finish against Cagliari.

Only Cristiano Ronaldo has converted more spot-kicks in the top five European leagues.

Menez gave a rather vacant San Siro a reason to cheer in that Cagliari game. At the end of the month, Milan's ultras decided to protest against the general state of club, leaving the entire southern stand empty. When the Frenchman scored, he put his hand to his ear.

"My gesture was not for the fans, but for the media," Menez told Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia). "They talk about me without knowing anything, and I don’t like that."

Luca Bruno/Associated Press

Whether you like him or not, Milan would have far fewer points without Menez.

After that match, he was tied with Carlos Tevez and Mauro Icardi as the top scorer in Serie A. No matter the asterisks, that is worth consideration. Menez has managed to score more league goals (15) than Mario Balotelli did in the Milan shirt last season.

If nothing else, Menez has replaced Balotelli (now with Liverpool) completely.

Menez has maintained some level of consistency on a team that lacks any form of it, while other big players like Keisuke Honda and Alex have peaked and dipped. Injuries have not really affected Menez either, while the rest of the team has struggled to stay fit.

It's as if he is the only one swimming against the current.

Like an opportunistic spin doctor, joint CEO Adriano Galliani could only boast about his signing. "I don’t want to say too much, but it was absolutely my idea to get him," Galliani told Milan Channel (h/t Football Italia). "He seemed an important player."

At the moment, he is the only one worth a second look on this team.