Balotelli. If its the choice between a crocked Falcao (I'm not saying he is, but lets say that was the case..) and a solid (but no more) Bony, and a Balotelli who WILL BE focused, then we'd have to choose Balotelli.
Get it right, and we have the new superstar. Get it wrong and we've got another Anelka or much worse.
What I like most about a COMMITTED Balotelli is that he has that artistic, unpredictable side. Thats not just good to watch, it has a FUNCTIONAL use. He's also fast, very strong, and becoming a better and better goal scorer.
I was against this as a signing, but I havent seen the Falcao med reports. If Falcao was fit, I think he'd be an ESSENTIAL signing. Cavani is prob the best centre forward in the World, but he doesnt have that false 9/number 10 magic which we are massively lacking currently.
It'd be interesting to see what Balotelli might cost as a permenent deal.
Perhaps analogies can be made to the Mancs signing Cuntona. Balo is ONLY 24, and his goal record in Italy is starting to look pretty good. He could play as a 9, or 9.5. And importantly, interchange with Sturr, just as Luis did.
Finally, looking at Origi AND Balo in the same team, that would be intersting because they have pace and skill, which makes it hard to play the offside trap/push forward vs them. And if defences pull back, then there is an aerial and physical presence.
I suppose it all depends on i)what the transfer fee would be and ii)what the alternatives are.
Could be a phenomenal signing IF he gets focussed. I'd always rather an erratic genius than a hard working boring player.
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