I'm probably in the minority when I say this, but Balotelliis still the most talented player at Liverpool. Talent in and of itself doesn't mean jack sugar. Like the Zillage, who I would agree is probably the most talented footballer at Arsenal, but his performances don't reflect that throughout a season. It's the same for Balotelli at Liverpool.
When Rodgers bought him, I didn't get it. I couldn't figure out how an old-skool Italian kind of striker would fit into the very fast paced English type of setup Rodgers has with Liverpool. If you saw how AC Milan played with the way in which Balotelli was the main striker and the focal point of attacks, it's very plain and simple how it would not have worked at Liverpool.
I mean, you've got one of the most accurate strikers of a football in the world and you play him on the wing?! Or you don't change your team to be built around him?! This is the A,B,C of management that a three year old kid would even understand.
Let's put that aside and focus on the real. Balotelli's time with Liverpool is done. If they can get Sturridge fit, with Firmino and Coutinho in there, Balotelli will be a bench player. That's not what he would want. He is too good to be on the bench. You can say all you want about his Houdini acts for Liverpool, but I will never agree with y'all that he is a brick or crap. There is something truly special there and it's a combination of two things to happen for it to blossom :
His application in training and matches
The RIGHT team
Sampdoria is great for Balotelli. Not a lot of hype surrounding it. A good enough club to be competitive, but none of the pressure to deliver as the superstar, which is what many in Liverpool were hoping for.
His career may be over and most likely he'll end up in the "What if?" pile along with Quaresma, Afellay and Ortega. No harm in at least giving yourself the best shot, because another season at Liverpool will SURELY destroy his career beyond repair.
HH
