Top Performers Through 4 Matches

Milan has revamped the squad from last season and have added some key players to the squad as new manager Pippo Inzaghi looks to restore order to Milan and bring the Rossoneri back to the Champions League. Through 4 matches (Lazio, Parma, Juventus, Empoli), there have been some standout performers for the club that have surprised us all. Here are the top three players for Milan through four weeks of play in the 2014/15 Serie A season:

1. Jérémy Menez: Menez arrived from PSG this past summer for free. The move was questioned by many Milan supporters as issues surrounding the Frenchmen's work ethic and energy remained. Inzaghi was impressed with Menez in the friendly matches leading up to match day one so he decided to  start him in the false 9 position. In his first match v Lazio, he earned and scored a penalty goal to help seal a 3-1 victory for Inzaghi. Against Parma, he scored his second penalty and earned a brace by scoring a superb back heel goal in a 5-4 win. In four matches, Menez has 3 goals and has impressed everyone. Expect him to be a major contributor for Milan the rest of the way.

2. Keisuke Honda: Honda arrived for free last January from CSKA Moscow and was immediately expect to be a big contributor. People began to debate about whether he would be best suited as a right-midfielder/winger or a central midfielder behind the striker. In the second half of last season, Honda failed to live up to the immediate high expectations placed on him. It was unfair for a guy to be asked to be his normal self after changing to a completely different environment in Italy. This season, he has improved dramatically for Milan, playing out wide. Through four matches, he has scored 3 goals while assisting 1. Honda has looked far more comfortable this season, playing out wide while cutting in at times to score which he did v Empoli. Honda has given Inzaghi a quality talent on the right, a strong left footed free kick taker and perhaps a good scoring threat. This is the Honda we expected and he has shown why we coveted him so much.

3. Ignazio Abate: Abate has been with a Milan for several years now and has seemingly been the number one option at right-back. However, last season, he had a down year as did the entire club. Rumors began to swirl around about a possible departure from Milan but he has remained for at least one more season. His contract expires this June so his great run of form this season will surely appeal to many teams across Europe. Abate has always been a suspect crosser at a position that desperately cries for that ability. His ability to move forward and back to defend with sprinter pace has always been appreciated but his poor ability to swing in consistent crosses has left Milan fans questioning his stay. This year, he looks like a rejuvenated player for Inzaghi. He still has great speed and his work rate is just as good. Abate has improved dramatically as a crosser through four matches which is great for Menez, Torres and Pazzini who are the top three number 9 options. The 27 year old Italian international has arguably been the club's most improved player as he has finally learned to cross with consistency. In four matches, Abate has 4 assists (leads the team). Factor in his quickness, effort and ability to now provide good service on the right flank, Abate has been reborn. Milan will surely want to offer him a contract and keep him away from reported suitor, Juventus.