Liverpool’s search for a world class striker to replace Luis Suarez looks to have reached its culmination with the Reds confirming yesterday afternoon that they’ve completed the signing of Mario Balotelli from AC Milan.
The move has been met with almost universal approval on Merseyside with the powerful Italian’s successful first stint in the Premier League still fresh in the memory. “I didn’t expect it because I’ve always been playing against Liverpool. Whenever I played against Liverpool, the fans weren’t nice with me but that’s normal – it’s football!” quipped the 24-year old in his first interview with the official website. “Now that I play for Liverpool, I can see the expectation in people. They’re very happy and that makes me very happy at the same time.”
Along with that happiness comes with a small dose of trepidation; it’s not like Balotelli’s reputation doesn’t precede him. Rather than being recognized for his goal scoring exploits, the 24-year old is more well known for his temper and his penchant for bizarre behaviour both on and off the pitch. Kopites do love a character though, and with Suarez off to Barcelona, his Italian replacement looks nailed on to be the next cult figure to be immediately showered with praise from the Anfield stands — something Rodgers believes will come from the environment he’s fostered on Merseyside rather than the less desirable aspects of his new strikers fiery character.
“I believe we have the infrastructure, culture and environment to get the best out of him and help him achieve his true potential” the Northern Irishman told the clubs official website following the official announcement. “We are a strong group here, committed to hard work and he will benefit from being around it.”
Video courtesy of FRibery7i
It’s not like he doesn’t have what it takes to succeed. Following his move from Inter Milan to Manchester City, we saw what he can do on the pitch. Despite turning out a less than acceptable sophomore season at the Etihad Stadium — one that was marred by his erratic behaviour and falling out with then boss Roberto Mancini –, Balotelli immeditately picked up where he left on upon his return to Italy in the winter transfer window, bagging 12-league goals in thirteen appearances and then another 14 in thirty appearances during his first full season.
His league record speaks for itself, but with the spectre of European football on the horizon, can Mario do it on a cold Wednesday in Germany? “I always start a competition wanting to win it. We will see. I want to win another Champions League for sure, because the Champions League wasn’t all mine, I was in a team” explained the Italian striker reflecting on his time at Inter Milan and their European triumph. “I want to take this team to the Champions League.”
Rodgers was quick to point out that not only has his new striker done it in the Premier League before, but he’s also been prolific in both Europe and for his country. Still, if he’s going to flourish on Merseyside, there’s a lot riding on whether or not he can see eye to eye with Daniel Sturridge. He may have not always got on with Suarez, but the two formed a formidable partnership as their 50+ combined league goals last season will attest to. If Balotelli is going to succeed, he’ll be best to try to reignite that spark as soon as possible. First off though, he’s going to have to meet the squad.
“No. When I meet the team, start training with them and start my first game, I will realise” he said when asked if his move to Merseyside feels real or not. “For now, I have just seen the city. I am going to meet them soon and I’m excited.” We saw him in the stands last night with Adam Lallana and Jon Flanagan when his new side lost out 3-1 at the hands of Manchester City, but a formal introduction — and possibly a baptism by fire — will be on the cards first thing tomorrow as this weekend’s match with Tottenham Hotspur looms large in the distance.
In Balotelli, the Reds are jumping straight from one volatile character to another — the real question is will the risk end up being a reward? We’ve seen Rodgers salvage the career of more than one player during his short time on Merseyside, and if he can do the same with the troubled Italian, the punt he’s taken on him just might end up paying off big time.
–Steven
