Despite missing out on a chance to impress Italy boss Antonio Conte during the Azzurri’s meetings with Croatia and Albania after picking up an injury in training on Friday, things are looking up for Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli with news that he should be available for the Reds meeting with Crystal Palace doing the rounds in the press today.
“Mario had this inflammation in the groin and couldn’t train,” the Italian manager told the press ahead their Euro-2016 qualifier with Croatia on Sunday. “So it was useless to keep him with us. Yes, I liked him, like the others I hadn’t seen before.” After missing out on the first four matches under Conte, the 24-year old would have been loathe to waste an opportunity to show the Juventus man what he has to offer, but he could very well get that opportunity against the Eagles this weekend, and if all goes to plan, he’ll be doing it with Daniel Sturridge beside him.
It’s safe to say that Balotelli has put in his best performances thus far in a Liverpool shirt when he’s had a strike partner to play off of — something that he’s pointed out himself. “I have never been a real, out-and-out striker – I have always been someone who goes around the pitch, you know?” said the 24-year old when asked about getting into the box and digging out chances. “If it was my choice, I would always go with two strikers. It’s the way I like to play, but Brendan [Rodgers] asked me to play as the first striker. I understand that when the ball comes from wide on the left or right, I need to be in the box otherwise there might be no-one there at all.”
Why Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has persisted in playing him as a lone striker remains to be seen, but with Sturridge set to be available for selection this weekend, a return to two up top and the diamond formation that served Liverpool so well last year could be on the cards. That is, if no one picks up another knock before Sunday…
