One of the greatest perks about being a Liverpool supporter this summer has been the daily transfer anticipation. Waking up every morning to a new star being linked with the club has it's ups and downs, and where Liverpool are concerned, false hope has been a major factor amongst this summer's transfer dealings, with big name players such as Reus, Falcao and Cavani, amongst others, providing no joyous end product thus far. With that being said, the reds have signed a staggering eight players in these past two and a half months, taking their spending tally to a whopping 100 million plus. These eight incomings have all provided me with cause for optimism. From the young forward Divock Origi, (Who won't put on the Liverpool jersey for another year but is proving to be a real gem for his loan club Lille), to our record defensive signing Dejan Lovren, who is already proving he could well be the man to fill the legendary Carra's boots at centre half.
Let us turn our attentions away from the trio of superstars I mentioned above, and onto a familiar, yet somewhat surprising player linked of late, the enigma that is Mario Balotelli. Now, before I start rambling on about the Italian, let me clear something important up firstly: Luis Suarez Cannot be Replaced. Ever. - Nobody in world football can prove to be an exact replacement for the Uruguayan. Therefore, the title of this blog I am writing should be read between the lines. Liverpool FC need a world class striker who can improve the club and take it forward. Barcelona did not have Luis for all their years of world domination, yet they took our breath away with their silky style of football. (Having Lionel Messi on the team sheet is always a plus, of course). It is crucial that Liverpool fans put Luis Suarez behind them, move on and look to the future. The number seven has left the club, and Rodgers and his men are ready to move on, and provide us with another star striker to take the realm. If you had to ask me, personally, this 24 year old fits the bill perfectly ;
1. Worrying about the bad nature he may bring to the squad? Don't !
Some of world football's greatest managers have had the pleasure of having Mario in their squad. From your Mourinhos to your Mancinis and so on. They have all shared the same view regarding the troublesome striker ; Mario Balotelli is impossible to manage. They may not have spoken the exact words as bluntly as stated by myself, however, their thoughts have all been echoed in the same flow when the subject has come up in a press conference or private interview. I do not think they would have moved the striker on if they thought otherwise, any way. This point got me questioning a move to Anfield at first. Then, something else came to mind ; Has Balotelli ever had a personable type of manager coach him? Mourinho, Mancini and Prandelli are all brilliant managers, yet they each have very contrasting coaching methods compared to Brendan. In my opinion, Balo has never really had that "Dad-like" figure as a manager, someone to put their arm around the young lad and man manage him with that approach. On this fact primarily, I reckon Balotelli will emerge a superstar if he chooses the move to Anfield. There is no doubting Rodgers' 0 % tolerance to any wild acts that might occur from the forward, and he will have to learn that if he is to grow into the player everybody is waiting to see. I have heard many a reds supporter state their disregard to any rumours regarding Balotelli purely because of his behaviour. Personally, this never passed my mind, especially with a manager like Brendan Rodgers at the helm.
2. He is a bargain buy at 17 million
He may be a loose cannon who has just turned 24 and is no longer regarded a 'young prospect', however, paying 17 million pounds for a man who has played for Inter, Manchester City and Milan, in that order, and at such a young age, is an absolute steal. This alone has got me questioning why none of the big European clubs have come calling and rivalling Liverpool with a bid of their own. Arsenal seemed favourites to land the Italian a couple of weeks ago but those rumours seemed to have petered out of late. Recent paper talk have claimed a possible loan deal with a view to a permanent one in the summer could be what Brendan opts for, although Milan may want to cash in on the forward and look for an immediate replacement. With the owners already splashing out over a hundred million pounds on new recruits thus far, the club may look at a player like Mario as their best option going forward. If so, we could be about to witness one of the bargain chips of the summer entering Melwood's gates.
3. He is exactly what Liverpool are in dire need of : A FINISHER
Liverpool have been faced with this problem for the past three years or so. We have been lacking that finisher of the ball on numerous occasions. Luis Suarez was a brilliant football player during his time at Anfield, though he too lacked that ability to finish off chances created. The 4 million signing of Rickie Lambert, a decent finisher of the ball himself, was a shrewd one made by Rodgers. At the age of 32 though, we can all admit the forward has been brought in as a 'Plan B' when needed, and that is all. Now, leaving to one side the negativity surrounding the Italian's misbehaviour, Balotelli is definitely the centre forward type player Rodgers is in the market for. His tall stature and eye for goal has caused problems for defenders all across the footballing world, which is a key factor for the red men this season, with only Daniel Sturridge to show for as an out and out centre forward at the moment. I was left a frustrating figure at times whilst watching the red men play the Saints last Sunday afternoon from my living room couch. Liverpool played some exceptional football in midfield at times, but with only five shots on target to show for, (two of which ended in goals), which is a major problem for the title chasing side. This alone should be enough to convince Rodgers that a world class centre forward like Balotelli is needed at the club, as the window nears hibernation, with ten days remaining.
4. Entertainment is guaranteed!
You could say the current Liverpool player to hold the mantle of the 'joker of the team' is Daniel Sturridge. The recent video of himself and Jordon Ibe published on the official Liverpool website whilst on tour of the US brought me to tears. The 24 year old has brought the squad together on numerous occasions in the past, and has provided us with many joyous and entertaining moments on and off the field. Now, add Mario Balotelli to the mix, and you could just imagine the possible outcome. One thing is definite, there will never be a dull moment at a Melwood training session with the duo in the squad. Would they team up and prove to be a lethal combination on and off the field, or would their massive personalities clash and turn for the worst? That is something for Rodgers' and his staff to ponder prior to making an official bid for the Italian. However, from his firework bathroom mishap, to his 'Why Always Me?' moment in the Manchester derby, to mention just two, I definitely won't be switching my Television off any time soon whilst Balotelli is wearing the red of Liverpool.
5. Age Matters
If we take a quick glance at the ages of a few of our summer targets in the forward area, my mind tips the Italian's way yet again. Here is a breakdown of our five main striking targets, including their age ;
Mario Balotelli - Milan - 24 years old
Radamel Falcao - Monaco - 28 years old
Edinson Cavani - PSG - 27 years old
Marco Reus - Borussia Dortmund - 25 years old
Wilfried Bony - Swansea - 25 years old
Whilst Marco Reus remains my number one option, a deal for the German seems 95 % off the cards at the moment, this summer at least. As we look at other possible options out there, I personally do not think paying the 200,000 pounds a week wage demands for a 28 year old injury prone Falcao would be the safest of routes going forward, albeit being a loan deal. Then there is the possibility of a move for Edinson Cavani, which have been dashed of late, especially after the recent injury to fellow club mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic. With that being said, the capture of Balotelli from the Milan club looks to be the best option for Rodgers. The 24 year old has many years ahead of him, and is far from the end product where ability is concerned. Do not take me wrong, I won't be locking myself in my room in floods of tears if Liverpool opt to bring in Falcao or Cavani to Anfield instead. The signing of any of the two would be unbelievable business by Rodgers and his back room staff. I, personally would rather see the club opt for Super Mario, with the matter of age proving to be yet another contribution to my reasoning.
If the day does ever arrive, (Hopefully in the next 11 days), and Rodgers manages to lure the Italian to Merseyside, the scenes in and around the city will be that of anticipation and excitement, there is no questioning that. There may be a couple of doubters and mixed feelings regarding Balo right now, but I can guarantee you that the capture of the forward, whether a permanent or loan deal, will prove to be an exception piece of business when looked back upon in the future years. The only slight worry being the possible clash of personalities between Balotelli and our current main front man, though I am positive Rodgers will sort out the situation abruptly if one ever arises. I do not think the number 45 jersey has ever been worn by a Liverpool player in recent years, and we could be in for a treat of first timer. You never know, if a deal is done before the weekend, although highly unlikely, we may yet see the Italian make his debut against none other than his former employers, Manchester City, this coming Monday night. I would not place a bet on it happening though.
Let us also remember this reds fans ; Mario Balotelli has already played for one of Manchester United's main rivals..... Why not rub it in their faces some more?
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YNWA
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