Coming into that match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and seeing Mario Balotelli to nod in from the sidelines when the clock indicated 70 minutes, Liverpool fans would have hoped that this might be the spark that is needed for the resurgence of their once celebrated signing. However, fast forward 50 minutes and at the end of 2nd period of extra time, they were questioning the logic of their manager to experiment Balotelli in such a tight finale.
Thus, here are 4 reasons why Liverpool should get rid of the Italian in January transfer window: –
Poor form
Although Liverpool fans tended to remind their Chelsea counterparts of a certain Fernando Torres who switched loyalties from Liverpool to London, – and failed miserably – , the Spaniard took less time than Mario Balotelli to open his Premier League account after leaving Liverpool.
Since Torres was branded time and again by Liverpool fans as flop, same can be said about the Italian midway through the season. Even though, the Spaniard switched loyalties midway through the 2011-12 season to play for Chelsea, he opened his Premier League account in his 14th match with the blues.
Talking about Mario Balotelli and looking at his lofty statements that continue to fall like raindrops, the Italian has failed to put the ball in the back of the net for 12 games in a row, and with Daniel Sturridge returning and Raheem Sterling showing his class, Mario Balotelli could have a ‘’Stewart-Downing-esque’’ first season for the Reds.
And even if he breaks the shackles and scores a goal or two, his goal will not serve the same purpose for the Reds for which they acquired him from Milan.
Daniel Sturridge returning
Even though the Englishman has an injury record which is more fearful than a Dracula, Liverpool have no other choice but to hand their dreams to Sturridge if they want them to be fulfilled this season.
While Daniel Sturridge should make his 1st start for Liverpool this weekend which would be his 1st in a Red shirt since the end of August 2014, Brendan Rodgers can afford to take a risk by selling Mario Balotelli.
While his form on the pitch hasn’t done well to strengthen his case, his attitude of carelessness catalyzed by his wayward efforts on goal has only dented the support that Liverpool fans enshrined on him from day one.
Thus, by offering him a quick route escape from the Merseyside, Brendan Rodgers can lend a helping hand – not only to Liverpool – but also to Mario who has been suffering miserably at the Merseyside this season.
Meteoric rise of Raheem Sterling
While Liverpool fans might have felt it all gone away when Daniel Sturridge suffered another setback of fitness in November, it was Raheem Sterling who kept them afloat amid some scathing criticism from all sides.
While their form in the whole season has been debatable, last 10 matches in which Sterling played – prior to that Carling Cup misery at the Bridge – have generated a much needed unbeaten streak for the reds.
Thus, God forbid, if the injury monster comes back again to haunt the prized asset at Liverpool, Raheem Sterling has nourished enough to share the burden of some questionable decisions that were made by his manager in the summer transfer window.
Convincing the owners to buy another striker
Back at the end of last season when Manchester City had 4 strikers at their helm, anyone would have labelled their depth as brilliant. However, out of all those 4 strikers, only two of them managed to get past double figures in terms of goals.
As a result Manuel Pellegrini – no matter how much backing he had of the owners – had to sell one of them to convince the Abu Dhabi-based ownership that the team needs re-reinforcements in their striking department.
Similar situation has now erupted at Anfield and it is up to Brendan Rodgers to play the same role that his colleague – Manuel Pellegrini – played at the Etihad: to convince the owners for some investment in the strike department of the club.
While words might fell terribly short of explaining his stance to the American ownership, the sale of Mario Balotelli can strengthen the case of Brendan Rodgers in front of John w Henry and Co.
Barclays Premier League: 4 reasons why Liverpool should sell Mario Balotelli
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