With Liverpool short on striker’s upfront, manager Brendan Rodgers has wasted no time in replacing Luis Suarez with AC Milan and Italy posterboy, Mario Balotelli at the club.
With Liverpool short on striker’s upfront, manager Brendan Rodgers has wasted no time in replacing Luis Suarez with AC Milan and Italy posterboy, Mario Balotelli at the club. AC Milan will let the striker leave for Anfield for a proposed £16m move.
The reports in the English press suggest that 24-year-old will receive nearly £120,000 a week to move to the Reds.
With that kept in mind, Liverpool is now serious title contenders for the title as they push for silverware. With the opponents around them adding more big names, the arrival of Balotelli gives the Steven Gerrard-led side a much needed uplift.
So what does ‘Super Mario’ give the runners-up for EPL from last season? Here are reasons that will make Liverpool a serious candidate in the EPL:
A suitable Suarez replacement –
During his 3 year stay at Anfield, Luis Suarez was not only notorious in front of the goal but also behind it. His antics, controversies were much talked about during the Uruguayan’s time at the club. Now that he’s gone, Liverpool has brought yet another mischievous ‘lad’ in Balotelli. If in one minute he’s taking the opposition by storm, the next he could seeing red as well. Though there are parallels between Suarez and Balotelli, the latter could give them something the fans had dreamt about!
Big game player –
Last season, Liverpool were left empty handed as they tasted defeats at the hands of Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal on away turfs. With the arrival of Balotelli, manager Brendan Rodgers could spark a revival and strike a fear in the opposition teams especially with the arrival of Champions League at Anfield.
Naughty Mario –
Though he the Italian has a knack of scoring goals, at times, the bad behaviour often lands him in bad waters. During his first year in England, at Manchester City, Balotelli had tiffs with the players, coach and also sparked controversies off the field. Even though Liverpool are trying to fend off the antics by making Mario sign a clause; the EPL will not be surprised if the 24-year tried to get himself red carded!
Will compliment Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling –
Mario Balotelli returns to England with the back of scoring 14 Serie A goals last season, a decent outing none the less. With the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling leading the attacking line, it will be tempting to wonder, how the Englishmen will work alongside the fiery Italian. It can benefit the rest of the team as well.
Jose Mourinho has a reason to fear Liverpool –
Last season, Liverpool fans saw an over the top Jose Mourinho dancing down the manager’s bench as the gaffer celebrated a 3-0 success. With the arrival of Mario Balotelli, a former employee of Mourinho, the former’s scoring ability and ‘in your face’ attitude could send shivers down the Chelsea bench.
Liverpool was never touted as serious EPL challengers by the football pundits but with Super Mario, the minds are to change!
