RipCordless

A pop-culture consumer who keeps it, by design, in the shallow end of the pool.

Balotelli

Balotelli Still Benefit to Liverpool

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Sometimes it is tough to watch Alexis Sanchez score for Arsenal knowing he could have been spearing in those goals for Liverpool. Rogers came close to signing him but not close enough. That is unfortunate because Sanchez has brought precision, speed, an unwavering work ethic along with a hunger for goal. I wish him continued success.

Enter Mario Balotelli.

After only one goal in over a dozen odd games, Liverpool FC fans, like myself, are wondering if the Mario Balotelli experiment is over before it has really begun. The English media is all over the young attacker questioning his passion, his effort, his shirt size, and commitment to the team.

From the empirical perspective, watching games first hand, there is no doubt about his skill. He has a deft touch with the ball, possesses excellent vision, but it appears combined with an average work rate. What he lacks, clearly, is the killer instinct of a classic number nine. I’m going to spare you the obvious comparison to the Suarez (one of the top-5 strikers on the planet) but how about a direct comparison to Diego Costa, Chelsea’s newest striker. Costa has taken the 18-yard box by storm since arriving this season. His predatory instincts, ability to manage the ball within his own feet, and knack for getting off a strike on goal has been nothing short of stunning to watch. Costa is decisive, committed and lethal when given the chance. He is, by all accounts, a true number nine. Balotelli? I’m beginning to wonder.

Though Balotelli’s number 45 shirt (four plus five is nine) represents how he thinks of himself, all it takes is a few minutes of YouTube research and some intelligent game-watching to present a slightly different case for his innate position. Based on what I’ve seen, perhaps Mario is better suited for the attacking midfield role.

I bumped into an article stating just that point and the argument goes over quite well. In the numerous highlight reels from Balotelli’s past, the majority of his strikes are from medium to long range. Watch Balotelli in the open field, he lays off balls with one-touch grace, he rarely takes the ball at an opponent, preferring to either spin off or work around them with cohesive team build-up play. THAT is Balotelli’s forte, the ability to move intelligently outside the box where he has space. The likelihood of a dramatic tactical shift along those lines is remote so what else can work?

Rogers has been forced to play the solo striker in the classic 4-2-3-1 formation which, based on production numbers alone, doesn’t suit Balotelli’s prowess. Rogers is deferring to the formation, presumably, because he’s nervous about the shaky defense and prefers to see the opponent’s game plan while leaning on the defensive luxury of two deep midfield players. That seemed to work for the last two EPL games but, alas, it wasn’t enough to beat elusive Hull City. Rogers finally threw Lambert up front with Balotelli, opting for the successful diamond midfield and the game changed dramatically. Chances came thick and fast as players seemed to settle comfortably into their roles, moved with focused precision and high energy. More than anything, the players looked comfortable. Unfortunately, Liverpool simply ran out of time to capitalize on the late positive change.

So things continue with Mario Balotelli at the helm, for better or worse – at least until Sturridge returns. My vote remains entirely behind Rogers and his ability to cultivate the most from players. While the lack of goal scoring from Balotelli grows more concerning be the week, that may remedy upon the return of the second highest goal scorer in the EPL last. Sturridge and Balotelli may be a powerful partnership.

This Liverpool FC season continues to be one of patient frustration. I’m not going anywhere as a fan and believe there is plenty of time to do some damage in the EPL and perhaps even snatch a chance at some hardware. But, if I’m honest, doesn’t look like we’re doing much in the Champions League this season. Just too many quality teams preventing consistent results.

What Balotelli Means for LFC

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Ever want something to happen just so you can see the world burn? When it comes to Liverpool FC, many people line up to see the once formidable club falter and stumble. Signing Andy Carroll for a price hard to repeat was a huge error and quickly derided by the average EPL fan. Suarez’ bite and nibble was (justifiably) attacked, mocked, and derided as normal scouse behavior — but things have changed for the better recently.

Two years ago, the board saw fit to appoint Brendan Rogers as head coach and he began the slow process of re-establishing LFC as a top flight team, turning Anfield into a fortress once again. After pulling a seventh place finish year one, Rogers shocked the EPL universe with a second place finish in year two, a qualification for Champion’s League competition, and a vastly expanded budget to add much needed depth to the team in the off season.

This 2014 summer transfer window has been nothing but rapid fire rumor coupled with tangible activity. It included multiple high profile signings, and most importantly, the sale of Luis Suarez to Barca. Few could argue the talent brought aboard, the standard quibble being the price paid for Lovren, Lallana, and Moreno. But the biggest stir was left for very late in the transfer window as Liverpool signed Mario Balotelli — and the football universe shook with trepidation and awe.

Mario Balotelli has a long history of problems, anger, and disrespect. To claim he is a wild card just doesn’t get it done. However, mixed with those volatile characteristics is some incredible talent. Watch any YouTube compilation video on Balotelli and you’ll see a deft touch, creative genius, and knack for finding the back of the net with grace. When he signed with Liverpool for a cut-rate price, everyone (and I mean everyone) took notice. But what will that mean to the Liverpool faithful?

Excitement!

Without such a unique signing, the club would probably have struggled to nail a top-4 position, and claiming any meaningful silverware would be unlikely but *with* Balotelli, the expectations changed quickly. Should Mario Balotelli settle into the club, find his form, and remain determined to impact games, he could be the missing ingredient that propels LFC from a maybe result to something more significant. Opposing teams are forced to pay attention to the big man, must respect his speed, and cannot ignore his presence on the pitch. When you weave his skill set into the existing tapestry of LFC, the club’s potential becomes scary good.

And for those people lurking in the shadows, trolling, and claiming Mario is going to explode just like before, Liverpool is different for a couple of reasons. First, Brendan Rogers not only brings a formidable tactical presence to the sideline but also seems to have gift to motivate and focus players. He has a way of demanding the best from his team, keeping the direction cohesive, and developing even troubled players rapidly.

Irrespective of how this season turns out, the signing of Mario Balotelli is nothing short of genius. I wish nothing but the best for the 24-year old and remember Mario, you’re part of the family now — and You’ll Never Walk Alone.