Granted, it has only been a couple of months since Mario Balotelli was signed by Liverpool as the replacement for Luis Suarez, however, the vultures are already circling. It seems that Balotelli has not been given adequate time to develop the form needed to replace the gaudy production of the departed Suarez, but time is a very precious commodity in the Premier League. A commodity that it would seem Balotelli, at only 24-years-old, is in danger of running out of for the second time.
I would suggest that now would be the perfect time for Balotelli to make a dramatic move and push for a transfer to MLS.
Certainly, I understand the initial desire to scoff at such a notion that a world class striker in his prime would leave the lofty perches of the European leagues to come play stateside but a move now could very well be in Balotelli’s best interest. No doubt adding a talent as full of potential as Mario Balotelli would be an incredible boon for the league but what exactly would the star striker have to gain from MLS? Two things: acceptance and the release of a heavy burden.
Balotelli has all the talent to be mentioned with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, yet there is an undercurrent of poor behavior and performances that seem to keep him from ever really reaching his full potential. It may seem baffling that a talent like this could suffer from what appears to be a lack of professional development but a little research into his life sheds some light on the subject.
The story of Mario Balotelli reads, to me, like a tragic tale of a lost young man desperately seeking his place in the world. Born a refugee of Ghana and raised a son of Italy during a time of uncomfortable political unrest, it is no wonder that such acceptance has eluded him. His talent also seems to have encumbered him with a difficult burden while representing his country.
Often Balotelli is the target of blame for an underachieving Italian national team, whereas praise for his excellence is in short supply. After all, he is expected to be great. Combining these elements with the racial slurs that are hurled his way even while playing in his home country and it is understandable that Balotelli would struggle at times carrying such heavy baggage.
Is this mentioned as an offer of excuses that should erase all misguided choices or negligent performances? Certainly not. However, I do find it reasonable to expect that a young man of his upbringing might need a more patient and mentoring influence than Balotelli is currently finding in the world of European football. Unfortunately, that is not the reality found in the Premier League.
If Balotelli were to hop across the Atlantic and decide to continue his career with MLS, he would not escape the expectation of greatness but he could find solace in being freed of the burden of unrealistic expectations. Also, and perhaps more importantly, he could find guidance amongst his peers in an environment suitable for personal growth.
Imagine for a moment Balotelli suiting up for the Columbus Crew. A rabid soccer city only a short two hour drive from Johnny Manziel and LeBron James in Cleveland. Who better to understand the pressure of media scrutiny and unrealistic expectations than those two? Both Manziel and LeBron have shown a willingness to reach out and offer support to stars that need it.
I also believe that the coaches in MLS may be more equipped to help Balotelli than their counterparts in Europe. Balotelli is not raw on talent nor are his skills in need of refinement. There is no questioning his ability. What help he needs is more mental or motivational. It’s help that requires patience and guidance. The coaches in MLS often have more time to work with a player than what the coaches in Europe are afforded.
MLS would also be very wise to pursue bringing Balotelli over even at the current exchange rate on his contract. Balotelli’s full incentive deal amounts to roughly 6 million Euros or $7.6 million which is only $500 thousand more than what Orlando City Soccer Club will pay for the 33 year old Kaka next year.
Comparing the potential of the two, I think Balotelli would be well worth the investment for MLS.
Imagine what it could do for the league’s image if they were able to take a struggling superstar in his prime that was on the brink of washing out of the Premier league for the second time and help him reach his potential? If Balotelli’s time in MLS resulted in any better performances for the Italian national team, the reputation of MLS would skyrocket–assuming that his being stateside wouldn’t hinder his chances at playing for his country.
Yes, there will likely always be doubt surrounding MLS’s ability to develop players as well as they can in Europe but this would be an opportunity for MLS to highlight what they do have to offer. MLS could demonstrate that they are a place where younger players can play and get paid while not having their skills regress, thus becoming a more desirable league. Balotelli seems to be the perfect candidate. He is guaranteed to be a star and could receive valuable personal development that would help him on the field.
If Balotelli’s stint at Liverpool does turn out disastrous, why not look to make a dramatic change? Especially when the upside is as high as Balotelli’s own potential.
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