The man, the myth, the Ménez

By: Richard | August 23rd, 2008

Well, I had been holding off writing about our biggest star because I thought he might leave and I had the superstitious fear that me writing about him would somehow hasten his departure.

I am speaking of course of Jérémy Ménez.
Born: 7 May 1987
Height: 1.81m
Weight: 65kg
He usually plays up front or out on the left. He is known for his dribbling, technique, and shooting. (Tracking back and defending? passing? bwahaha….) He has been targeted for greatness for some time now, another in the very long line of ‘next Zidanes’.

For me, he has always been more reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo when he first came to Manchester United. The talent was readily apparent, but the discipline left a bit to be desired. He had 7 goals in his first season with Monaco in 2006-07, and 2007-08 was supposed to be the year he really set the world on fire. Instead, he was plagued with inconsistency and ended the season injured and stuck on 7 goals again. He also missed the chance to be at the Euros.

So, what’s a young talent to do? Bear down and fight hard to show that he is worth the hype, or just wait for a big club to come and rescue him? No points for guessing the correct answer…

Mr. M has been the subject of numerous transfer rumours this summer, with clubs like Portsmouth and Inter Milan showing interest. It seems now that AS Roma are the most likely destination. Let me say now to all the Giallorossi fans who might be reading this: I think this would be a genius move for both clubs. Despite me making him look like a bit of a prima donna, he is only 21 and is showing signs of mental maturity. Judging by what he has said in the French press, he is more than excited at the prospect of playing for Roma, and I think that what some call his sometimes selfish play and inconsistent effort will change once he gets his move to a really big club. Furthermore, I think Roma’s style of play will suit him down to the ground (I think he would have failed miserably at Portsmouth, for example).

It will be sad to see him go. It sucks to see young French talent leave the domestic league, and it underlines how far Monaco have fallen in such a short time, but sometimes you just have to face reality. If we can use the proceeds of the sale to buy a more proven #9 who really wants to wear our shirt, we will be far better off (at least in the short term).

Caen tomorrow (well, later today actually)…