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

[Exiled_red]

Solid debut. Still rusty and getting reused to the pace of the league plus gelling with new teammates. He'll get there.

His defensive work was encouraging.

[Chris]

Solid debut. Still rusty and getting reused to the pace of the league plus gelling with new teammates. He'll get there.

His defensive work was encouraging.

Agreed, should have scored but he played well I thought. Sturridge loved him being there too as it allowed him to go and cause mayhem. The roof is going to come off when he scores v Villa.

[G]

Him being there give Sturridge more space. An encouraging start to what will hopefully be a great partnership.

[Bender]

Also i think Sturridge might/does enjoy Balotelli more than Suarez on a personal level and on a Football pitch

[Assassin]

You might want to rephrase that Bendy....

[MrMichael]

Just read that piece above, good god Rodgers talks a good game.

We're doing everything right it seems, I think we saw that it can work today given time. Those shots into the stands won't stop, that's just Balotelli, but if the work rate is there and stays there then he can be a real threat for us, no doubt.

[Zapater]

I like that he gives us the advantages of a Carroll type player without being detrimental to our football.

[DannyMan2006]

I like that he gives us the advantages of a Carroll type player without being detrimental to our football.

Agreed. Could be a fantastic signing that works with plan A whilst at the same time providing a plan B.

[Pablo]

Looked rusty but really put a shift in. Encouraging start and he needs to stay in the team.

Pleased he's not on international duty, he can take some time to get settled in the North West again now and score on his home debut

[SB]

Looked rusty but really put a shift in. Encouraging start and he needs to stay in the team.

Pleased he's not on international duty, he can take some time to get settled in the North West again now and score on his home debut

Why isn't he away on ID with Italy?

[Reece]

New Italy manager left him out.

[BigChief]

Excellent, take the risk of injury away and give him something (else) to fight for: i.e. get back into the national team.

[BubbaZanetti]

What, that I said the Italian's are racist?

Most of them are, not all of course and racism is evident in all societies and countries but you don't see British fans chanting monkey chants at their own players.

Sorry, but how are you qualified to make that statement? Do you know 'most' Italians?

[SB]

New Italy manager left him out.

There loss is our gain. More time spent on our training park. Cheers Reece.

[PTP]

Decent debut...should have scored but worked hard and gave us a bit more presence on te pitch..linked up well with Sturridge and sterling...pleased so far