Would Mario Balotelli be a good signing for Liverpool?

Liverpool are reportedly in talks to sign AC Milan and Italy striker Mario Balotelli

According to Sky Sports reports, Liverpool is in talks to sign AC Milan and Italy striker Mario Balotelli.

This would regard a back-track by Reds boss Brendan Rodgers who had previously stated that Balotelli was not one of his summer transfer targets.

Wanted

Liverpool seems to be in the market for a replacement for star striker Luis Suarez, who departed for Spanish giants Barcelona earlier this summer.

The Uruguayans will be big shoes to fill considering he scored 31 Premier League goals and also created 12 for his teammates in the process.

Suarez also swept the boards at the individual awards, so replacing him directly is almost an impossible task.

The Reds have been linked with moves for high-profile strikers such as PSG’s Edinson Cavani and Monaco’s Radamel Falcao. The pair are regarded as two of the best strikers in world football, but if they did become available the Reds would have to fight off competition from some Europe’s biggest names.

Alternative Option

It seems that the Reds have decided on an alternative option in Balotelli. The 24-year-old had previously been linked with a move to Arsenal and is believed to be keen on a return to the Premier League this summer.

A move to Liverpool, whether it be on-loan or on a more permanent basis may prove a tempting switch for the Italian international.

Talented

Mario Balotelli has all the physical attributes to become a truly great striker. When he was at Manchester City he stated he wanted to become one of the best players in the world and many considered him arrogant.

However with such attributes as pace, power and dribbling ability he does have all the qualities to be one of the best players in the world. Unfortunately he has a handicap. His mind seems to betray him both on and off the pitch.

Trouble

Trouble seems to follow Balotelli around, or he follows trouble, I am not exactly sure which one is exact. Ever since he broke into the first team at Inter he seems to have attracted controversy and trouble, which has quite frankly overshadowed his ability with a football.

A number of managers have washed their hands of the striker in past, including Jose Mourinho when the pair were together at Inter. He seems like a difficult young man to manage and seems to do whatever he likes.

Gamble

The spirit in the Liverpool dressing room last season was part of the Reds challenging for the Premier League title. It would be a gamble by Brendan Rodgers to bring in such a maverick character into such a positive atmosphere.

However, Balotelli’s presence in the Manchester City and Inter’s squads did not prevent success. In fact he had a hand in both teams winning trophies, so his football talent overrode the flaws in his character.

Jekyll and Hyde

On the pitch Balotelli can be a slightly Jekyll and Hyde character. Last season the striker scored 14 Serie A goals in 29 appearances in an AC Milan team that finished eighth in the table. When he is in-form he is very difficult to stop, as he has shown in flashes throughout his career.

When things do not go his way though, Balotelli tends to sulk and disappear from games, which for such a high-profile player really is not good enough. The hope is that one day he will mature and then his attitude will improve.

Loan

Liverpool definitely look like they need a new striker and to sign a striker like Mario Balotelli on loan may just be the ideal solution for the Reds. Rodgers will be able to see if he is manageable in the dressing room and the Reds will not have to shell out big money on a player that could cause the club trouble.

Luis Suarez caused the club bad publicity at times for the club, despite his brilliance on the pitch. Liverpool will not want another player dragging the clubs reputation through the mud in the near future.

The signing of Balotelli could either make or break the Reds season. Who knows maybe Brendan Rodgers will be the man that finally tames the beast that is Mario Balotelli.

Would Mario Balotelli be a good signing for Liverpool?