Sturridge presses more than enough.
Balotelli signs for Liverpool - Official
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Sturridge presses more than enough.
So you'd be comfortable playing both against a good team?
It obviously depends on the team. I wouldn't go to Camp Nou and attempt to play with two strikers, but against 90% of the times in this country I would have no concerns.
The curious case of Mario Balotelli.
Apparently, being a Black Italian, having a cool surname, stupid hairstyles and lots of drama off the pitch constitutes as being a "Top Player", despite everything you do on the pitch proving otherwise.
5 years ago this guy was supposed to be the "next big thing". Inter, City and Milan have now all let him go for less than 20 million, yet still there are people out there calling him a top player, talking about him as a "bargain signing".
The truth is Balotelli is an average striker, if his name was Paul Donnelly and he wasn't a drama queen nobody would bat an eyelid.
Yeah sure, he can strike a ball, decent touch and strength but how many strikers in the world possess those attributes? hundreds.
There's nothing that stands him out, he's lazy, static and lacks football intelligence, Milan have never taken to him, his goal stats were made up of penalties, free kicks and the occasional meaningless wonder goal against Cagliari. He's the worse thing Liverpool can get, on the pitch he's pretty much the complete opposite of Luis Suarez. It's a pander, marquee signing from Liverpool, one they'll pay for.
Now just to sit back and watch it unfold...........Until 2017 when PSG sign him for 17 million and everyone talks about how it's an "astute signing" and that he's got "all the tools to become a top player", despite history repeatedly proving that players like him cannot become top players.
Apparently, being a Black Italian, having a cool surname, stupid hairstyles and lots of drama off the pitch constitutes as being a "Top Player", despite everything you do on the pitch proving otherwise.
5 years ago this guy was supposed to be the "next big thing". Inter, City and Milan have now all let him go for less than 20 million, yet still there are people out there calling him a top player, talking about him as a "bargain signing".
The truth is Balotelli is an average striker, if his name was Paul Donnelly and he wasn't a drama queen nobody would bat an eyelid.
Yeah sure, he can strike a ball, decent touch and strength but how many strikers in the world possess those attributes? hundreds.
There's nothing that stands him out, he's lazy, static and lacks football intelligence, Milan have never taken to him, his goal stats were made up of penalties, free kicks and the occasional meaningless wonder goal against Cagliari. He's the worse thing Liverpool can get, on the pitch he's pretty much the complete opposite of Luis Suarez. It's a pander, marquee signing from Liverpool, one they'll pay for.
Now just to sit back and watch it unfold...........Until 2017 when PSG sign him for 17 million and everyone talks about how it's an "astute signing" and that he's got "all the tools to become a top player", despite history repeatedly proving that players like him cannot become top players.
Spot on, I wish I could explain this to my deluded Liverpool friends who believe he'll be the difference for them winning the title next season
I believe most of the hype comes from all the money spent by his PR. He always appears on every British newspaper even if he is going through an average spell.
Whether Balotelli scores an equalizer against Genoa, throws a party with famous Italian models or is caught smoking a cigarette, he makes the headlines.
Whether Balotelli scores an equalizer against Genoa, throws a party with famous Italian models or is caught smoking a cigarette, he makes the headlines.
Exactly.
The crazyness levels in Liverpool went massively down after Suarez left. Had to replenish them somehow.
He could be a great signing. I thought their team was defintely a step down without Suarez, but Balotelli adds something special to the attack, much like Suarez did. And with their other signings Liverpool should be in title contention again.
He could be a great signing. I thought their team was defintely a step down without Suarez, but Balotelli adds something special to the attack, much like Suarez did. And with their other signings Liverpool should be in title contention again.
I'm not sure Milan were ever after £30 million. I just think Rodgers did not want him and is now desperate. I have personally felt that Liverpool's signings have not been that bad so far. However, this one, is not a good one. Balotelli is technically gifted, however his attitude will feck things up for Liverpool. You'll have an away game against Palace or something which he'll single handedly feck up for you. In the big games if he feels he's not getting decisions he'll stop making runs, his touch goes off and he gets even more pissed. He saved Milan a couple times (freekicks, wonder goal) but IMO, has also cost them with his poor application at times.
Also, when Sturridge misses a couple and tries to make up for it by being greedy, he'll piss Balotelli off. That's going to be hilarious.
From here it appears that he rejected the notion then the club went over his head to get him. Or something of that ilk. Or it was in the pipeline and he wasn't aware or something like that. Seems a bit odd to use such strong words.. But then again - he is Brendan Rogers after all.
new Adriano, but Adriano actually had a 'prime'
Super post!
Looking forward to many new additions to this list......
CAR CRASH (August 2010): Just days after signing for Manchester City, Mario Balotelli hits the headlines after crashing his Audi R8 en route to the club's training ground. Balotelli is found to be carrying 5,000 pounds in cash at the time of the accident and when police ask why, he reportedly replies: "Because I am rich.''
WOMEN'S PRISON (October 2010): Balotelli, sidelined after knee surgery, is questioned by police after driving his Mercedes into the grounds of Brescia women's prison.
FIRST MAN CITY RED CARD (November 2010): Balotelli scores his first Premier League goals in a 2-0 win at West Brom but the achievement is marred when he sees red following a clash with Youssuf Mulumbu.
WILSHERE SNUB (December 2010): City boss Roberto Mancini says Balotelli must change his attitude following his claims he had never heard of Jack Wilshere after beating the Arsenal midfielder to FIFA's young player of the year award. (
)
DART-THROWING INCIDENT (March 2011): Balotelli again hits trouble after it emerges he threw a dart at a City youth-team player. No one was hurt in the incident and he escapes punishment.
SECOND RED CARD (March 2011): Balotelli apologises to his teammates after he is sent off during a Europa League tie with Dynamo Kiev for a reckless challenge on Goran Popov.
BACK-HEEL BLUNDER (July 2011): Balotelli is immediately substituted by an enraged Mancini after performing a pirouette and back-heeling wide when clean through on goal in a preseason friendly against the Los Angeles Galaxy.
FIREWORK INCIDENT (October 2011): The Italian has another run-in with the emergency services after a firework is set off in the bathroom of his home, triggering a fire. The next day, he scores in the Manchester derby and celebrates by revealing a T-shirt that reads: "Why always me?''
THIRD RED CARD (November 2011): The third red card of Balotelli's City career arrives in a league match against Liverpool, the 21-year-old dismissed for two yellow cards.
BREAKING CURFEW (December 2011): Balotelli breaks a club 48-hour curfew by visiting a curry house ahead of a match against Chelsea.
RICHARDS CLASH (December 2011): Just days after Balotelli's curfew lapse, he again attracts negative headlines after pictures emerge of a training-ground bust-up with teammate Micah Richards.
PARKER CLASH (January 2012): Balotelli was charged with violent conduct by the FA, and subsequently handed a four-match ban, after appearing to stamp on the head of Tottenham's Scott Parker during a Premier League match.
INTER NEWS CONFERENCE (March 2012): Balotelli gatecrashes the news conference to announce the arrival of Andrea Stramaccioni as Inter's new coach.
FOURTH RED CARD (April 2012): Balotelli sees red for two bookable challenges on Arsenal full-back Bacary Sagna. Also guilty of a shocking first-half knee-high challenge on Gunners midfielder Alex Song.
FIGHT WITH MANCINI (January 2013): Balotelli clashes with the Manchester City manager in training after refusing to leave the pitch following a lunge on Scott Sinclair. He is sold to AC Milan weeks later.
SMOKING AND ARGUING (April 2013): After being caught smoking a cigarette on a train carrying Milan's squad to a game versus Fiorentina, Balotelli is hit with a three-game suspension for arguing with match officials following a 2-2 draw. Italy coach Cesare Prandelli says the striker must "learn to shut up."
SENT OFF FOR ITALY (June 2013): Two yellow cards in three minutes see Balotelli sent off in a World Cup qualifier versus the Czech Republic.
MISSED PENALTY AND ANOTHER RED (September 2013): After missing the first penalty of his career, Balotelli is sent off at the end of Milan's defeat versus Napoli for arguing with the referee.
CRYING ON THE BENCH (February 2014): With his side trailing at Napoli, Balotelli responds to his 73rd-minute substitution by appearing to break down in tears on the bench.
CLASHES WITH TV PUNDITS (April 2014): After he was substituted during a defeat versus Roma, Balotelli told critical analysts "you don't understand anything about football. Trust me, you really don't."
POSES WITH GUN (July 2014): Balotelli posts (and subsequently deletes) a picture on social media showing him pointing a gun at the camera with the accompanying message "a big kiss to all the haters."
CAR CRASH (August 2010): Just days after signing for Manchester City, Mario Balotelli hits the headlines after crashing his Audi R8 en route to the club's training ground. Balotelli is found to be carrying 5,000 pounds in cash at the time of the accident and when police ask why, he reportedly replies: "Because I am rich.''
WOMEN'S PRISON (October 2010): Balotelli, sidelined after knee surgery, is questioned by police after driving his Mercedes into the grounds of Brescia women's prison.
FIRST MAN CITY RED CARD (November 2010): Balotelli scores his first Premier League goals in a 2-0 win at West Brom but the achievement is marred when he sees red following a clash with Youssuf Mulumbu.
WILSHERE SNUB (December 2010): City boss Roberto Mancini says Balotelli must change his attitude following his claims he had never heard of Jack Wilshere after beating the Arsenal midfielder to FIFA's young player of the year award. (
)DART-THROWING INCIDENT (March 2011): Balotelli again hits trouble after it emerges he threw a dart at a City youth-team player. No one was hurt in the incident and he escapes punishment.
SECOND RED CARD (March 2011): Balotelli apologises to his teammates after he is sent off during a Europa League tie with Dynamo Kiev for a reckless challenge on Goran Popov.
BACK-HEEL BLUNDER (July 2011): Balotelli is immediately substituted by an enraged Mancini after performing a pirouette and back-heeling wide when clean through on goal in a preseason friendly against the Los Angeles Galaxy.
FIREWORK INCIDENT (October 2011): The Italian has another run-in with the emergency services after a firework is set off in the bathroom of his home, triggering a fire. The next day, he scores in the Manchester derby and celebrates by revealing a T-shirt that reads: "Why always me?''
THIRD RED CARD (November 2011): The third red card of Balotelli's City career arrives in a league match against Liverpool, the 21-year-old dismissed for two yellow cards.
BREAKING CURFEW (December 2011): Balotelli breaks a club 48-hour curfew by visiting a curry house ahead of a match against Chelsea.
RICHARDS CLASH (December 2011): Just days after Balotelli's curfew lapse, he again attracts negative headlines after pictures emerge of a training-ground bust-up with teammate Micah Richards.
PARKER CLASH (January 2012): Balotelli was charged with violent conduct by the FA, and subsequently handed a four-match ban, after appearing to stamp on the head of Tottenham's Scott Parker during a Premier League match.
INTER NEWS CONFERENCE (March 2012): Balotelli gatecrashes the news conference to announce the arrival of Andrea Stramaccioni as Inter's new coach.
FOURTH RED CARD (April 2012): Balotelli sees red for two bookable challenges on Arsenal full-back Bacary Sagna. Also guilty of a shocking first-half knee-high challenge on Gunners midfielder Alex Song.
FIGHT WITH MANCINI (January 2013): Balotelli clashes with the Manchester City manager in training after refusing to leave the pitch following a lunge on Scott Sinclair. He is sold to AC Milan weeks later.
SMOKING AND ARGUING (April 2013): After being caught smoking a cigarette on a train carrying Milan's squad to a game versus Fiorentina, Balotelli is hit with a three-game suspension for arguing with match officials following a 2-2 draw. Italy coach Cesare Prandelli says the striker must "learn to shut up."
SENT OFF FOR ITALY (June 2013): Two yellow cards in three minutes see Balotelli sent off in a World Cup qualifier versus the Czech Republic.
MISSED PENALTY AND ANOTHER RED (September 2013): After missing the first penalty of his career, Balotelli is sent off at the end of Milan's defeat versus Napoli for arguing with the referee.
CRYING ON THE BENCH (February 2014): With his side trailing at Napoli, Balotelli responds to his 73rd-minute substitution by appearing to break down in tears on the bench.
CLASHES WITH TV PUNDITS (April 2014): After he was substituted during a defeat versus Roma, Balotelli told critical analysts "you don't understand anything about football. Trust me, you really don't."
POSES WITH GUN (July 2014): Balotelli posts (and subsequently deletes) a picture on social media showing him pointing a gun at the camera with the accompanying message "a big kiss to all the haters."
I like Balotelli, I've always liked him (even when he played for the Berties), and I think he's a good piece of business for Liverpool.
My flag is planted.
My flag is planted.
You know Balotelli is faster than Suarez right??
After all this, you wonder why any sane person would want to pay this guy's wages let alone pay a transfer fee for him.Looking forward to many new additions to this list......
CAR CRASH (August 2010): Just days after signing for Manchester City, Mario Balotelli hits the headlines after crashing his Audi R8 en route to the club's training ground. Balotelli is found to be carrying 5,000 pounds in cash at the time of the accident and when police ask why, he reportedly replies: "Because I am rich.''
WOMEN'S PRISON (October 2010): Balotelli, sidelined after knee surgery, is questioned by police after driving his Mercedes into the grounds of Brescia women's prison.
FIRST MAN CITY RED CARD (November 2010): Balotelli scores his first Premier League goals in a 2-0 win at West Brom but the achievement is marred when he sees red following a clash with Youssuf Mulumbu.
WILSHERE SNUB (December 2010): City boss Roberto Mancini says Balotelli must change his attitude following his claims he had never heard of Jack Wilshere after beating the Arsenal midfielder to FIFA's young player of the year award. (
DART-THROWING INCIDENT (March 2011): Balotelli again hits trouble after it emerges he threw a dart at a City youth-team player. No one was hurt in the incident and he escapes punishment.
SECOND RED CARD (March 2011): Balotelli apologises to his teammates after he is sent off during a Europa League tie with Dynamo Kiev for a reckless challenge on Goran Popov.
BACK-HEEL BLUNDER (July 2011): Balotelli is immediately substituted by an enraged Mancini after performing a pirouette and back-heeling wide when clean through on goal in a preseason friendly against the Los Angeles Galaxy.
FIREWORK INCIDENT (October 2011): The Italian has another run-in with the emergency services after a firework is set off in the bathroom of his home, triggering a fire. The next day, he scores in the Manchester derby and celebrates by revealing a T-shirt that reads: "Why always me?''
THIRD RED CARD (November 2011): The third red card of Balotelli's City career arrives in a league match against Liverpool, the 21-year-old dismissed for two yellow cards.
BREAKING CURFEW (December 2011): Balotelli breaks a club 48-hour curfew by visiting a curry house ahead of a match against Chelsea.
RICHARDS CLASH (December 2011): Just days after Balotelli's curfew lapse, he again attracts negative headlines after pictures emerge of a training-ground bust-up with teammate Micah Richards.
PARKER CLASH (January 2012): Balotelli was charged with violent conduct by the FA, and subsequently handed a four-match ban, after appearing to stamp on the head of Tottenham's Scott Parker during a Premier League match.
INTER NEWS CONFERENCE (March 2012): Balotelli gatecrashes the news conference to announce the arrival of Andrea Stramaccioni as Inter's new coach.
FOURTH RED CARD (April 2012): Balotelli sees red for two bookable challenges on Arsenal full-back Bacary Sagna. Also guilty of a shocking first-half knee-high challenge on Gunners midfielder Alex Song.
FIGHT WITH MANCINI (January 2013): Balotelli clashes with the Manchester City manager in training after refusing to leave the pitch following a lunge on Scott Sinclair. He is sold to AC Milan weeks later.
SMOKING AND ARGUING (April 2013): After being caught smoking a cigarette on a train carrying Milan's squad to a game versus Fiorentina, Balotelli is hit with a three-game suspension for arguing with match officials following a 2-2 draw. Italy coach Cesare Prandelli says the striker must "learn to shut up."
SENT OFF FOR ITALY (June 2013): Two yellow cards in three minutes see Balotelli sent off in a World Cup qualifier versus the Czech Republic.
MISSED PENALTY AND ANOTHER RED (September 2013): After missing the first penalty of his career, Balotelli is sent off at the end of Milan's defeat versus Napoli for arguing with the referee.
CRYING ON THE BENCH (February 2014): With his side trailing at Napoli, Balotelli responds to his 73rd-minute substitution by appearing to break down in tears on the bench.
CLASHES WITH TV PUNDITS (April 2014): After he was substituted during a defeat versus Roma, Balotelli told critical analysts "you don't understand anything about football. Trust me, you really don't."
POSES WITH GUN (July 2014): Balotelli posts (and subsequently deletes) a picture on social media showing him pointing a gun at the camera with the accompanying message "a big kiss to all the haters."
This is a disaster waiting to happen. And I was thinking we wouldn't have enough fodder for the RAWK Meltdown thread this season
I think he will be Liverpool's Cantona (provided Rodgers can do the unimaginable and tame him). I really rate his footballing abilities.
This signing doesn't seem to worry me at all. I know he'll make things look easy at times, but he's simply no team player and his attitude stinks. Maybe I'm underestimating what Rodgers can do with him but so far I'm happy that this is the "big" striker Liverpool are signing. The likes of Falcao and co would have been a frightening prospect.
I'm not quite sure where you are getting this idea from ? Suarez wasn't that fast at all, he got away from opponent by turning them and getting a start then using his control. We probably have the fastest attack in Europe now: Sterling, Markovic, Sturridge, Balotelli, Lallana (far faster than most people think - the WC stats were enlightening) & Ibe's the fastest of the lot (though he'll probably go on loan). And you think that lot won't be as unpredictable as last season ? I can only assume you'll not actually watched them.
Ask Germany.
Hmm the last three are scrapping the barrel a bit aren't they. That Red Card was the last one he's had too. Other than that not much at all in the past 12 months, which also aligns with Pirlo's comments about him having matured over his last spell in Italy.
He's still a Class A nutter and will do some crazy things, how serious they are we'll have to wait and see but he's going to be great for a laugh .. hopefully not at the team's expense.
If Liverhampton can curb his crazy psychotic ways; he will definitely be a talent.
I hope I am wrong but I think Balotelli will be a very good signing.
I hope I am wrong but I think Balotelli will be a very good signing.
Has RAWK released a dossier yet on how he's misunderstood, a diamond in the rough and how the "mancs" are shaking in their boots?!
I eagerly await that read.......
EDIT: I don't really. I just want something new to hate them with. Daft twats
I eagerly await that read.......
EDIT: I don't really. I just want something new to hate them with. Daft twats
Perfect match, a deluded and arrogant striker in a club filled with deluded and arrogant fans.
Nice poll by SSN twitter account right now.
POLL: Who would you rather have in your side? For Luis Suarez use #ssnhqsuarez and for Balotelli it's #ssnhqbalotelli
POLL: Who would you rather have in your side? For Luis Suarez use #ssnhqsuarez and for Balotelli it's #ssnhqbalotelli
I love the Liverpool spin on everything.
Evra was called "negrito" by Suarez. Suarez sold for the release clause. Balotelli being offered a deal of about 115,000 inspite of people like Di Marzio claiming that the deal is significantly higher.
@BarneyLFC , we're United fans mate....We're spun a ball of shit every year.....We're not gullible
I can see why they took a punt, he's got the athleticism and physique, has played in England in the past at a high level. He wasn't terribly expensive, and what if he actually matures emotionally as he gets a bit older and stronger? Rodgers probably fancies a bit of mayhem with Suarez gone, his ego will tell him that he can manage this young man, while we can all be entertained by his uncontrollable and indulgent nature.
How did they put this deal together so quickly? It was like a 2 day transfer saga.
How did they put this deal together so quickly? It was like a 2 day transfer saga.
Tough choice...
Some comments and player analysis here remind me of how the news of the Sturridge signing was received on the Caf.
https://www.redcafe.net/threads/daniel-sturridge.235925/page-7#post-12707865
https://www.redcafe.net/threads/daniel-sturridge.235925/page-7#post-12707865
If he gets his head down this will be a great signing for them. I do think he will finally get his act together as he is coming up to the best years of his career age wise. I don't agree with people saying he is average or overrated. He can do things that not many can. He has been very inconsistant over the past few years almost like Nani who is another world beater on his day.
I have a soft spot for Balotelli. He's genuinely a nice and misunderstood bloke. I have met him before and he seems so down to earth compared to most footballers. He does a lot for good causes. Yes he is a bit of a nutjob but he has had a strange upbringing and has experienced racism and family problems growing up. I want him to do well but I just can't stand Liverpool FC.
I have a soft spot for Balotelli. He's genuinely a nice and misunderstood bloke. I have met him before and he seems so down to earth compared to most footballers. He does a lot for good causes. Yes he is a bit of a nutjob but he has had a strange upbringing and has experienced racism and family problems growing up. I want him to do well but I just can't stand Liverpool FC.
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Football ! Now he's chief physiologist to the scouse army.
Unlike the United fans who have been saying last year was merely a blip, didn't happen or won't be allowed to happen again, we are back now etc
Yea docking his wages should work wonders, he won't have as much to randomly give away to strangers.
Way I see it too. It could be an inspired signing, but I will be worried on Guy Fawkes day!
Yes. Unlike.
I am not just talking about Antonio Valencia type of pace, it's more to do with explosivness/pace on start. Suarez isn't the fastest player you'll see but he is tricky; quick on start/explosive, moves all over the pitch; and very good dribbler, pretty much everything Balotelli isn't, and those are things that made him unpredictable. Balotelli is far from quick, he relies on some other things, but his pace and explosivnes is the last thing you would praise him form, and unlike Suarez, he is too static at times.
I know that Sterling and Sturridge are fast, of course I've watched them but I haven't mentioned them, just Balotelli. Having Balotelli instead of Suarez alongside those two is much less unpredictable, tricky to deal with was my main point.
Seriously?
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