Liverpool’s signing of Italy forward Mario Balotelli from AC Milan turned more than a few heads across the Premier League during the summer transfer window but, with the dust having settled on the transfer window, is Brendan Rodgers’ ‘gamble’ quite such a risk after all?
Balotelli’s debut in a Liverpool shirt came against Tottenham last weekend and the 24-year-old gave the kind of hard-working and unselfish display that the Anfield faithful had been hoping for. Balotelli worked tirelessly off the ball, making himself available and creating space for his colleagues, and was also strong in possession, always providing a willing outlet. Although the Italian failed to find the net in the Reds’ 3-0 win, he will be very proud of his contribution to an excellent team performance.
Given the recent injury to Daniel Sturridge that has raised doubts over his fitness, it is likely that Balotelli will be given a starting berth against Aston Villa – Liverpool’s next opponents – in a game where he could find himself opening his Anfield account. He is 5/6 with Betfair to score anytime in a game in which Liverpool are the resounding favourites at a price of 1/4 whilst Villa are the 12/1 underdogs.
Liverpool’s previous game saw them outplayed and outclassed by Manchester City, but Balotelli’s arrival seemed to boost the confidence of those around him. In the same way that Liverpool had previously looked to Luis Suarez in tight affairs, there was a sense that they expected Balotelli to lift them and he was able to do just that against Tottenham. The key now for Brendan Rodgers, will be in maintaining his interest, passion and desire.
Balotelli has a history of starting well at new clubs and endearing himself to the fans but there has always been a feeling that he is easily bored. In his first season at AC Milan Balotelli bagged 12 goals in 13 matches.
Similarly, he scored on his debut for Manchester City, this time in a Europa League tie against Politehnica Timişoara. That goal proved the catalyst for 10 goals in his 28 appearances during his first season in England. Balotelli’s scoring has slowed in subsequent seasons on both occasions however, as he scored just 17 goals in 41 games last season before departing Milan and his demeanour has often become one of frustration.
In taking on Balotelli, Brendan Rodgers knows that he has let himself in for a challenge and knows that a number of top managers - including Roberto Mancini and Jose Mourinho - have struggled to tame his antics in the past. Rodgers managed to get the best out of Luis Suarez last season and while he may have let himself down at the World Cup, the Liverpool manager did seem to have the measure of him at club level. Balotelli may well need the same careful nurturing.
For all of the baggage that Balotelli brings with him, he is a proven goal scorer and the kind of quality forward that could help Liverpool succeed in Europe. His Champions League experience along with his 33 appearances for the Italian national side – in which he has recorded 13 goals - could prove to be vital for the Reds.
If the £16m spent on Balotelli is considered alongside Arsenal’s £16m investment in Danny Welbeck, for instance, then the experience and quality that Rodgers has bought seems to have come at a very reasonable price, despite the possible setbacks - that many would rather believe to be inevitable during his second stint in England.
Balotelli’s antics have often detracted from his undoubted ability as a footballer, but deep down there is a sense that he just wants to be loved by the fans.