Mario Balotelli (Liverpool -> Nice)

Not good enough to be in LFC starting XI. Missed 4 goal chances, unnecessary fouls. Suarez would have scored almost 3 out of these 4..

He should have hit the back of the net today needs to sharpen up in that sense. His overall presence seemed to stimulate those around him though today however; Suarez was like that when he could have a poor day individually but you still felt he positively impacted proceedings. Gutted we have to wait 2 weeks to see him again. Bonus that he's been left out of Italy squad will give BR 2 weeks to work on him

Linked very well, his hold up play is of the highest order. Like the fact in Stevie's post match interview he didn't hide away from saying Mario will be a massive player for us, but only if he buys into our philosophy. There's been no hiding with the interviews I've seen with both Stevie and Brendan and I believe this will aid Mario. It's clear there will be no pussy footing around with him, and I believe he'll repay the faith. Gutted he didn't get on the score sheet as it was the only thing missing from an impressive debut. 

Very solid debut for Mario unlucky not to score at lest one.

Considering the last time he featured in a competitive match was 3 weeks ago in Milan's tour of the US he did exceptionally well.

Good platform to build on.

He just got here and has barely had time to gel and make connections in the team. Give him a few weeks to settle in.

Thought he was great considering his fitness right now. Made a clearance at left back, and also at right back.

I would rather see him stay up front with Danny dropping to a wing in defence though.

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!

 

a quick observation after we went 2 up ...

he stopped chasing, was careless with his touches, and seemed uninterested anymore ...  a familiar sight when he's in city's color and playing against us ...

hope its just tiredness and not lack of commitment and desire when we are cruising, because that is not a healthy attitude to be carrying around this team of talented, young and hungry players


not criticism, just observation

I am sure Mario will receive a great reception, when he runs out in front of the Kop, on his home debut, probably against Aston Villa a week on Saturday.

I think he's gonna be Boss. He will score against Villa in front of The Kop to kickstart his LFC career.

Just looks like one cool mudderfucka!

a quick observation after we went 2 up ...

he stopped chasing, was careless with his touches, and seemed uninterested anymore ...  a familiar sight when he's in city's color and playing against us ...

I thought he went out there and did what he was told to do. Pretty disciplined in terms of carrying out his tasks.
I'm sure he will blend in better through time.

I wanted him to be one of those hungry strikers running forward when Jordan was setting up our first goal. 

Mario: It's still 3 points whether we are two or 5-0 up.

Interesting nobody has mentioned how much of an aerial threat he gave us. With the sort of pace we've got down the flanks and the ability to deliver a decent ball from a set piece I think that alone could bring us 10-12 goals.

It's funny I do think that great attacking headed goals have become like a guilty or dirty secret in the modern game - nobody wants to say "that's a quality" for fear of being labelled "Fat Sam"!

Get in there Mario - really encouraging start.

Mario Balotelli vs Tottenham Hotspur - Liverpool Debut | Individual Highlight | 31/08/2014 | 720 HD

Interesting nobody has mentioned how much of an aerial threat he gave us. With the sort of pace we've got down the flanks and the ability to deliver a decent ball from a set piece I think that alone could bring us 10-12 goals.

It's funny I do think that great attacking headed goals have become like a guilty or dirty secret in the modern game - nobody wants to say "that's a quality" for fear of being labelled "Fat Sam"!

Get in there Mario - really encouraging start.

Thought he did very well, could have put us 2 up and on another day probably will.

His first game after having only a week to get to know our system and the quick way we like to play.

Very encouraging.

he stopped chasing, was careless with his touches, and seemed uninterested anymore ...  a familiar sight when he's in city's color and playing against us ...

Sounds like bit of a with hunt there to be honest. Thought he done very well and worked hard.

Apparently we sold £50k worth of Balotelli shirts on his first day at the club, not bad going.

apparently Mario has moved into a mansion in Helsby - I thought they were going to move him in around the lads, any other players live out there?

Sure there are one or two around Frodsham, maybe former players not too sure.
They mostly live around Woolton or Southport way I believe. Once he tries that pain in the arse Runcorn bridge he'll maybe re-locate.

Roy Evans - why Balotelli's arrival will benefit Daniel Sturridge:

http://talksport.com/football/ex-liverpool-boss-roy-evans-why-mario-balotellis-arrival-will-be-good-daniel-sturridge

Think he's gonna like it here.



 

From Mario's twitter:

.pic.twitter.com/Tr4mYfzyT1

Embrace it son, embrace it. 

pic.twitter.com/Tr4mYfzyT1

He is acting the right way, hope it continues.

He is acting the right way, hope it continues.

Maybe all he needed was a fanbase that was as nuts as he was.
Sorted.