Mario Balotelli was brought to Liverpool during the transfer window at the end of the 2013-14 season. During this same period, Luis Suarez left Liverpool and joined Barcelona. As Brendan Rodgers couldn’t find a replacement for Suarez the Northern Irishman gambled on Balotelli. The shot in the dark did’nt pay off. Also, at 16 million pounds, he was also a bit expensive. The striker had come off a good season at AC Milan at the time but unfortunately couldn’t find his footing at Liverpool. After a very poor first season at Liverpool, Balotelli joined his former club AC Milan on loan. And the move did not make any substantial change in the Italian forward’s form and game. He only scored once in 20 leaague appearances for AC Milan. Balotelli’s loan spell is over now and Liverpool haven’t received any offers for him so far. It seems that Balotelli will have to spend one more season at Anfield. Here are 2 pros and 2 cons of having Balotelli at Liverpool next season.
Pros
Striker Option
Liverpool had striker problems throughout last season. Sturridge was injured for most of the first half of the season, Ings’ knee issues meant he was out for the complete season and Origi was impressive but was inconsistent. This summer, Liverpool haven’t signed a striker as far and fans must be hoping that Liverpool bring in a new world class level striker. But if they fail to do so, having Balotelli in the squad will help. Balotelli has had two bad seasons but recent interviews suggest that his morale hasn’t gone down yet. Balotelli, on his day, can be a very deadly striker and if there are injury issues with other strikers, Klopp will not hesitate in using him.
Can be used as a utility player
Balotelli is a versatile player and can play on the wings as well as through the centre. Klopp has been looking for a utility player and Balotelli is not bad an option. Balotelli has impressed while playing through the wings and can deliver in crosses as well as take shots from distance. Playing through the centre, he is a mobile striker and wants the ball to be delivered to him. He is strong in the air and can be useful in set piece situations too.
Cons
A financial burden
Balotelli during his first season at Liverpool had cost around 3.24 million pounds in wages. He earned that for literally doing nothing. Next season, if he is to stay at Liverpool, chances are very less that he will get proper game time. And what happened in the 2014-15 season, something similar to that can happen. Instead of spending on Balotelli, Liverpool can use that to bring in a more useful player.
Negative impact on other players
Balotelli’s off-field antics have been more in the limelight than what he has done on the field. At every club that he has played, he has had problems with the managers, players and a lot of other issues. Jurgen Klopp has brought about a change in the approach of Liverpool’s players and there is a sense of optimism. Balotelli’s attitude can cause problems and Liverpool fans will surely not want the new optimism to die.
What impact Balotelli will have on the club will be seen once the season starts and Liverpool fans must be hoping that he has a positive impact.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5A8zEduwcQ]
Source: Soccer Souls