Juventus.com asked, you answered.
With this weekend’s Serie A encounter up against old foes Milan on the horizon, the club’s official Twitter account @juventusfcen gave supporters the chance to fulfill a dream of having their name up in lights on the website by responding to the following question.
Want to feature in an article on our website? Tell us your three key Rossoneri men to keep an eye out for in #JuveMilan and why.
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) February 4, 2015
Among the many responses to the query, Bianconeri fan @IndianRegista had his say on a range of players who could prove the difference for the Rossoneri once the game kicks off at 20.45 CET on Saturday.
@juventusfcen Menez for his acceleration, Cerci for his creativity and Diego Lopez for his experience.
— Arjun Pradeep (@IndianRegista) February 4, 2015
So without much further ado, here’s a closer look at the Milan trio of Diego Lopez, Alessio Cerci and Jeremy Menez.
Name: Diego Lopez
Age: 33
Position: Goalkeeper
Spanish goalkeeper Diego Lopez arrived from Champions League winners Real Madrid on a free transfer back in July 2014 and established himself as the Rossoneri’s number one ahead of former Bianconero Christian Abbiati upon signing.
The 33-year-old immediately endeared himself to the Milan faithful on his debut when he saved a late penalty from Antonio Candreva in a 3-1 win over Lazio on the opening day of the 2014/15 Serie A season. He has so far gone on to make 13 further Serie A appearances for the club, keeping three clean sheets.
Despite succumbing to the odd goal this term, Lopez has added a wealth of experience to the Milan backline and given that concentration is one of his key attributes, he’ll have to remain alert when up against the league’s top scorer Carlos Tevez come Saturday evening.
Name: Alessio Cerci
Age: 27
Position: Winger
Former Fiorentina and Torino forward joined the Rossoneri on an 18-month loan deal in this January transfer window after struggling to make an impression at reigning La Liga champions Atletico Madrid.
Predominately left-footed, the 27-year-old Italian international portrays great versatility by either playing up top or on the flanks. Blessed with expert dribbling ability and a knack for scoring memorable goals, he’ll attempt to use his wizardry to try and cut the Bianconeri rearguard apart on Saturday evening.
One for obscure football facts fanatics, Cerci received the first red card of his Serie A career against Juventus in March 2012 when he was sent off during Fiorentina’s 5-0 home defeat at the hands of the Old Lady.
Name: Jeremy Menez
Age: 27
Position: Forward/Winger
Tricky winger Jeremy Menez returned to Italian football for the first time after his three-year stint with Roma, signing on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer. The 27-year-old began his career with the current Ligue 1 Champions in fine form but had found first-team appearances hard to come by in recent years with the additions of Edinson Cavani and Lucas Moura.
His new lease of life at the San Siro has coincided with an upturn in form and Menez has been a shining light during a difficult campaign on the pitch for Il Diavolo. He has been Milan’s player of the season so far and continues to showcase his importance to this Rossoneri side having had a hand in 10 of the club’s previous 12 goals (nine strikes and one assist).
One particularly fond memory for the forward has been that sumptuous backheel he bagged in September’s 5-4 victory over Parma and with Euro 2016 in his sights, he will be looking to keep up his impressive vein of form to put himself firmly in the frame for a return to the French national side.
Want to feature in a future article? Make sure you’re following our Twitter account **@juventusfcen** to find out more.