Mario Balotelli (Liverpool -> Nice)

Welcome Mario!   

Welcome to LFC Mario

I admit, I was against us signing him, think I made it pretty known in his transfer thread too but throughout the whole game against City last night I couldn't help but think to myself that we were almost crying out for him to be playing. He will add a new dimension to our attack and a much bigger physical threat too which isn't a bad thing at all.

I still have my doubts but perhaps I was being a bit too narrow minded and not giving Rodgers enough credit for getting the best out of players. It was pretty much Sturridge' last shot at the big time and the same applies to Balotelli so let's hope he has the same impact.

"Since he turned 20, he has scored a goal every 140 minutes he had been on the field (as journalist Gabriele Marcotti pointed out, that’s pretty much the same as former Liverpool star Luis Suarez’s record in the same period: the Uruguayan has scored a goal every 139 minutes, albeit without anywhere near as many penalties as Balotelli)."

Source: http://www.si.com/soccer/planet-futbol/2014/08/22/mario-balotelli-liverpool-transfer-ac-milan

That's not too bad, to be fair. Hopefully he'll find consistency with us, because the talent is already there.

To delilah;

"Why, Why, Why Always Me?,
We've got Ba-lo-telli"

And it begins.

And it begins.

Hahaha some pundit said he would wreck the dressing camaraderie, yeah right.

Bib problems again

Bib problems again

Silly boy has two different colored shoes too......

Silly boy has two different colored shoes too......

That is the Puma trend

Silly boy has two different colored shoes too......

Presumably that's so he can tell his left from his right.

I wonder how we'll line up with Mario in the team.

My guess, acouple of mths into the season, when incomers have settled in is:-
HOME (and easier games to boss midfield)
Balotelli+Sturr upfront, Markov and Sterling free/wing roles.
Gerrard and Henderson  holding and midfield.

AWAY
Swap Caan for Markovich most likely.

Ontop of that however, I think there will be HUGE amts of rotation (atleast if the Champs Lge run is moderately successful).

Clearly we have quite a few strengths. But the key weakness again is midfield - which could again see the defence getting lots of criticism. The other key weakness, or indeed thing to reinvent, will be the creative slot where Luis was.

I can't wait to see this lad in action!! I just have a feeling that we will know very quickly whether he is going to be a success or not. He knows the game here, and he should hit the ground running if he has the right attitude.

Amped for the game this weekend as I think he will feature in some capacity!!

check his instagram =))

well if he wanted a big stage to show his talents two games against Real should appeal to him.

So does everyone think he will go straight into the side this Sunday? I personally would prefer him to be off the bench for this one given that Spurs are likely to pack the midfield and press us. I think we should match them in there and then look to play on the break with Sturridge, Raheem and Markovic.

It will give Mario a bit more time to acclimatise, get used to his teammates and work on his match fitness, don't forget the Italians are generally a bit behind us in terms of prep.

So does everyone think he will go straight into the side this Sunday? I personally would prefer him to be off the bench for this one given that Spurs are likely to pack the midfield and press us. I think we should match them in there and then look to play on the break with Sturridge, Raheem and Markovic.

It will give Mario a bit more time to acclimatise, get used to his teammates and work on his match fitness, don't forget the Italians are generally a bit behind us in terms of prep.

He is 24 has played in England and has won about as much as any player can win on the biggest stages in the world...he doesn't need to be acclimated in my opinion.

So does everyone think he will go straight into the side this Sunday? I personally would prefer him to be off the bench for this one given that Spurs are likely to pack the midfield and press us. I think we should match them in there and then look to play on the break with Sturridge, Raheem and Markovic.

It will give Mario a bit more time to acclimatise, get used to his teammates and work on his match fitness, don't forget the Italians are generally a bit behind us in terms of prep.

In my opinion Sturridge has looked lacking some help up top. Balotelli can give this just by his presence, players will be drawn to Mario as they were Luis allowing Danny more space. This is essential for me, whether we pack the midfield or not I think Sturridge needs Balotelli to start.

       Henderson  Gerrard

Stetling                        Lallana/Markovic

         Balotelli    Sturridge

From not thinking he will fit in with our football, to me buying the new kit with his name on it

Go on Mario!

So does everyone think he will go straight into the side this Sunday? I personally would prefer him to be off the bench for this one given that Spurs are likely to pack the midfield and press us. I think we should match them in there and then look to play on the break with Sturridge, Raheem and Markovic.

It will give Mario a bit more time to acclimatise, get used to his teammates and work on his match fitness, don't forget the Italians are generally a bit behind us in terms of prep.

I think he may actually start off the bench, but I hope he goes straight into the side. I think he is the type of player that other teams worry about and are difficult to plan against, while also giving Liverpool a well needed boost after the citeh game.

check his instagram =))

Is that his instagram or a mock one?
LMaooo

Gerrard, Henderson; Coutinho, Sterling; Balotelli and Stu

In the shirt 


Looking through some training pictures and you can't help but smile, he looks like a lot of fun and instead of the usual pictures of the team, straight faced and training, they all look like they're having a great time with him around, really hope he works out here!