Five reasons why Mario is the man for Brendan Rodgers.
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Mario Balotelli looks set to become a Liverpool player, with reports suggesting that the Reds have agreed a £16 million fee with AC Milan for the former Manchester City striker.
Many have suggested that Balotelli represents a huge risk by Brendan Rodgers due to his past disciplinary and behavioural issues, as well as his erratic on-the-field displays, but here are five reasons why signing the Italian could be a stroke of genius by Liverpool:
Star quality
Whatever peoples’ thoughts are on Balotelli, it is undoubted that he is one of the most recognisable footballing stars on the planet and would brin an undeniable star quality to Liverpool. His ability, when channeled in the right manner, also make him one of football’s most dangerous goalscorers. It is certainly of a statement of intent by Rodgers to pursue him and, whilst Balotelli would be likely to be their only marquee signing during this window, it would help in negotiations for big name players in the future.
He has a point to prove
Balotelli would return to English football feeling as thought he has unfinished business, after his spell at Manchester City ended on a somewhat sour note following one of many disagreements with manager and mentor Roberto Mancini. He did seem to enjoy playing in the Premier League however, and will surely be keen to show English fans that he has what it takes to be a success at Anfield.
Tactical flexibility
Despite not being the most flexible player himself, bringing in another forward would allow Brendan Rodgers to reconsider the systems he used last season with two out-and-out strikers, after the loss of Luis Suarez necessitated some alternative thinking. It would allow him to once again use the 4-4-2 diamond system on a regular basis that seemed to bring the best out of the Liverpool midfield last season.
It confirms their status
Balotelli would not have signed for a club without Champions League football and who he doesn’t feel are amongst the game’s elite, and the signing would be a confirmation of Liverpool’s return to the top table of continental football after a spell in the wilderness. There are certain to be some envious glances from Old Trafford, if not at the player himself, than at the ability to secure a big name signing with such swiftness.
Bringing the best out of Daniel Sturridge
Whilst Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool’s current main striker, didn’t always see eye to eye with Suarez, it was clear that the competition from the Uruguayan pushed the England international to raise his game. The signing of Balotelli may do similar, with Sturridge unlikely to want to relinquish his hard earned status as the Reds’ leading light in the goalscoring stakes.
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