Mario Balotelli's 16 million pound move to Liverpool is all but done, with the announcement expected in the coming days. Many are suggesting Super Mario is the perfect, albeit considerably cheaper, replacement for Luis Suarez. I think it's fair to say that even if Mario hits the ground running for the red half of merseyside he won't immediately enjoy the same glittering and near title winning campaign that his Uruguayan predecessor managed last term. However Balotelli is indeed a fantastic signing.
Whereas Diego Costa for Chelsea and Luis Suarez for Barcelona are "safe" signings in that both are proven goal scorers with Atletico and Liverpool respectively, the acquisition of Balotelli is somewhat risky. The controversial Italian is yet to have a season whereby he fires consistently an example of this is Didier Drogba's 29 goals in 2010 which helped Chelsea win a third premier league title. This may be being harsh to Mario as it's never really worked out for him at any club thus far. At Inter, he never really got Mourinho's trust and often played third choice behind Diego Milito and ex Chelsea man Samuel Eto'o. This was bound to have frustrated Balotelli and he soon got his move to a team of newly found wealth, Manchester City. Upon arrival at the Etihad, much was expected of Balo. Two years of controversy and spats with Roberto Mancini, his only real achievement was passing to Sergio Aguero consequently winning the Premier League for City. Like at Inter, Balotelli was again third and sometimes fourth choice, this time behind Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Carlos Tevez. The infamous training ground bust up between Mancini and Mario spelled the end of the rebellious striker's time in Manchester and he got his "dream move" to Milan in January 2013. Finally Mario Balotelli got what he wanted, he was the main man, he was first choice. Unfortunately he was first choice at an average, mid table AC Milan side. He scored a lot of penalties at his time at the San Siro and also an absolute screamer against bologna but still wasn't what you would call clinical mainly due to his team mates not providing the chances.
In many ways Balotelli's move to Liverpool is a match made in heaven, he will be the main man at a major team in Europe for the first time and it is well deserved. The only issue one might see is that Liverpool's high energy, high pressing style doesn't really suit Mario's lazy and instinctive approach to football and he will have to adapt. He is more than capable of doing so, and Brendan Rogers is as good as anyone at getting the best out of his players. One way or another, expect fireworks at Anfield this season.
Article contributed by: George Gray
Twitter: @george_gray1
Whereas Diego Costa for Chelsea and Luis Suarez for Barcelona are "safe" signings in that both are proven goal scorers with Atletico and Liverpool respectively, the acquisition of Balotelli is somewhat risky. The controversial Italian is yet to have a season whereby he fires consistently an example of this is Didier Drogba's 29 goals in 2010 which helped Chelsea win a third premier league title. This may be being harsh to Mario as it's never really worked out for him at any club thus far. At Inter, he never really got Mourinho's trust and often played third choice behind Diego Milito and ex Chelsea man Samuel Eto'o. This was bound to have frustrated Balotelli and he soon got his move to a team of newly found wealth, Manchester City. Upon arrival at the Etihad, much was expected of Balo. Two years of controversy and spats with Roberto Mancini, his only real achievement was passing to Sergio Aguero consequently winning the Premier League for City. Like at Inter, Balotelli was again third and sometimes fourth choice, this time behind Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Carlos Tevez. The infamous training ground bust up between Mancini and Mario spelled the end of the rebellious striker's time in Manchester and he got his "dream move" to Milan in January 2013. Finally Mario Balotelli got what he wanted, he was the main man, he was first choice. Unfortunately he was first choice at an average, mid table AC Milan side. He scored a lot of penalties at his time at the San Siro and also an absolute screamer against bologna but still wasn't what you would call clinical mainly due to his team mates not providing the chances.
In many ways Balotelli's move to Liverpool is a match made in heaven, he will be the main man at a major team in Europe for the first time and it is well deserved. The only issue one might see is that Liverpool's high energy, high pressing style doesn't really suit Mario's lazy and instinctive approach to football and he will have to adapt. He is more than capable of doing so, and Brendan Rogers is as good as anyone at getting the best out of his players. One way or another, expect fireworks at Anfield this season.
Article contributed by: George Gray
Twitter: @george_gray1
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I don't think Balotelli and Sturridge will play well together, but you never know!!! :)