Mario Balotelli completed a sensational £16million switch to Liverpool from AC Milan and the striker is set to make his first ever appearance for the club against fellow top 4 contenders Tottenham Hotspurs, after Brendan Rodgers confirmed that he is fit to play. Balotelli will be expected to deliver that bit of firepower and unpredictability that Liverpool lost when they sold Luis Suarez to FC Barcelona. In this piece we shall make 5 bold predictions for the Italian’s first season in a Reds shirt.
5 Predictions For Mario Balotelli’s First Season At Liverpool
Super Mario scores within his first three appearances
It is expected that Balotelli starts from the bench for his first game, since Daniel Sturridge is in amazing overall form that stretches all the way back to the January of 2013. ‘Balo’ will be looking to make his mark as soon as possible. With Liverpool playing Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham in the next three fixtures, Balotelli will be a huge asset, adding another dimension when the opponent defence frustrates Liverpool’s forward line. Expect him to score his first goal within the next three weeks.
Super Mario stays away from controversy
Balotelli defines controversy; everyone who watches football regularly knows all his disputable behavior. From setting his bathroom on fire, robbing his own house to ‘checking out’ a women’s prison and choking his manager, Balotelli has done it all. However, Liverpool boast one of the best man managers in Brendan Rodgers and an expert psychologist Steve Peters, both of whom have assisted in the mental and physical prosperity of players including Jordan Henderson, Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and the like. Expect Balotelli to improve his attitude, become humble and stay away from controversy. Also, as a bonus, which may turn out to be a very bold prediction, expect him to finally learn to wear a bib.
Super Mario scores 15+ goals this season
Balotelli may not be the most prolific goalscorer in recent times, but you can see he’s got the talent. The 24 year old managed to score 14 goals last season in 30 apps and before that 12 goals in 13 appearances. If he can score in that range with a side that has played rather mediocre football in recent times, he can score even more with a much more creative midfield which boast the likes of top provider last season Steven Gerrard, Philippe Coutinho and Jordan Henderson among others. Expect Balotelli to reach (and breach) the 15 goal mark.
Super Mario becomes a cult hero among the fans
In an interview prior to Balotelli’s move to Liverpool, the striker refused to answer a question posed by a reporter from the Sun, stating that they wrote ‘bad things’ about him during his time in England. This action got Balotelli off in good footing with the Reds fans, the latter who have not forgotten the injustices the paper have dealt them in the manner they reported the Hillsborough disaster. The relationship with the fans will help him become a hit at Anfield, making him a fan favourite at Anfield
Super Mario ends the season as the bargain of the season
Again, the Italian has come to Merseyside for a fee as low as £16million and has also accepted a 50% pay cut, showing his determination to play for the team. This kind of a fee is a bargain in the current transfer market scenario where teenagers go for £25million+ and players earn as much as £300,000 per week. As we have already predicted, Balotelli will have somewhat of a prolific campaign and expect him to end up as one of, if not the bargain of the season.
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