Mario Balotelli [On the Road to Ballon d'or)

[BobTheCharmer]

I like Mario. Even when he was getting frustrated and his head dropped, he started chasing back in our own half to help out. The crowd appreciated it too. He needs a partner. Most strikers do. What I hate is the play acting, going to ground and the time it takes him to get up off his arse. He needs to cut that **** out. Suarez was a cunt for doing similar, not the getting up so slow bit though!

Come on Mario.

[Shaggy]

It has been getting my goat for sure.

Its unbelievable the press he gets. The more everyone gives him unfair stick, the more I like him.

Some utterly ridiculous commentaries with their barely concealed agendas. I'm not Mario's biggest fan at all but the stick he gets is ridiculous. He did well yesterday I thought and is getting better. Looking forward to seeing him with Sturridge alongside.

[Liverpool]

People see what they want to see in the lad, overall I was pleased with him yesterday. Just needs more support and to add goals to his game.

[danperkins]

Posted on another forum




Interesting view point. I definitely think there are times when he is occupying the space of players like Coutinho and Lallana when he would have been better further up the pitch on the last defender so he could receive the through ball.

I'd like to think we'll see the best of him up top in a two man front line.

[G]

There's no doubt we will see the best of him in a two. What worries me is the inevitable periods when Sturridge is out and we have to go with him in a one. He doesn't make very intelligent runs and he doesn't give the midfield very many options. We were very fast on the counter a few times yesterday but it usually ground to a halt in the final third cos there was no movement.

[danperkins]

There's no doubt we will see the best of him in a two. What worries me is the inevitable periods when Sturridge is out and we have to go with him in a one. He doesn't make very intelligent runs and he doesn't give the midfield very many options. We were very fast on the counter a few times yesterday but it usually ground to a halt in the final third cos there was no movement.

completely agree with this. Distinct lack movement up top. Was infuriating at times they way he dropped so deep which meant we had no options in the box. I thought we were much the better side but looked toothless up top.

[SB]

I've never known a player to get as much stick. The commentators were after him all game too, even after one tackle where he was chopped down by Hibbert.

He's been with us, what, 5 weeks? We gave Suarez time to settle, we need to give him a chance. He definitely has talent but he is not Luis Suarez and expecting him to be the real deal so soon is unfair. If Sturridge we're fit we'd have been able to bring him in a bit more slowly, but he's had to lead the line on his own from day one. He's working hard with little service and a ponderous midfield.

To the doubters give the lad a chance FFS. He's one of us now.

Well said Buzzo.

[Gazzla]

Amazed at some of the comments on here, Balotelli had a very good game yesterday, give the guy a break he's done **** all wrong since he's been here and from what I saw he run his balls off for the cause yesterday showing passion, commitment and workrate. Yes he maybe should have scored but give the poor ****er a break

[RichC]

Yup, he also has had no preseason with us which won't have helped.

[fidget]

How can you not love him?

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport...erpool-7842877

[McDermotX]

Done alright yesterday........comments about him being rubbish and others saying he was very good are a bit wide of the mark IMO.
Should have been on the scoresheet....not necessarily for the effort that Howard saved, but he was guilty of picking up some bad positions in the area (though Sterling's poor decisions at times didn't help), not to mention the free header he didn't connect with in the first half.
Was guilty of dropping too deep too often at times, but did pressure well in patches and put himself around. Can do without the play-acting and tunnel vision 25yds from goal though. All in all, he's performing at about what I'd expected TBH....he's not a lone striker, but I'm also concerned about him not fitting with Sturridge either, although we should see some profit from both up top against defenders.

[Tatterdemalion]

Personally I think the way to think about Balotelli is that he is a good young, but rather raw talent. He should be more of a team player by now, but the fact that he isn't is probably because he's been overrated at his previous clubs, which may be a function of that raw talent. I reckon he'll learn to be more of a team player and I reckon he's willing, because I don't think he wants to be the main man as it brings to much pressure and attention (sure I read something like that somewhere). I'm confident that Rodgers will turn him into a great asset and that at £16m he'll be looking like a steal next season.

I think people expect too much of him because of his reputation; £16m for a 24 year old striker with raw talent, but room to develop is not outrageous these days.

[Kenneth]

Replacing one of the worlds best strikers with a 'good young, but rather raw talent' was a bit of a daft move really, want it?

[Bender]

In my Honest opinion,i don't think Balotelli will find success at Anfield

[RichC]

Replacing one of the worlds best strikers with a 'good young, but rather raw talent' was a bit of a daft move really, want it?

Should have got Messi or Ronaldo in.