A Chance for Mario

“I think he has felt the warmth of the club since he’s been here and I’m sure he will look forward to playing at Anfield.”  These are the words of Brendan Rodgers, who looks set to start Mario Balotelli in a home clash against Aston Villa today.  

In the wake of signing the enigmatic Italian, the Liverpool manager described the deal as a ‘calculated risk.’  The risk obviously has to do with Balotelli’s controversial past, but the upside is infinite given the Anfield patrons’ habit of adopting the more exuberant type.    

Rodgers is a pragmatic manager in the mould of Jose Mourinho.  The Scotsman doesn't play the same tricks with the opposition, but shares the ability to get the best out of his players. 

I say this because of the unconditional confidence the Liverpool manager instills in his squad, which has seen the rapid maturation of previously immature talents such as Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge, and Raheem Sterling.  

Upon taking the job at Anfield, Rodgers has been tasked with taking advantage of chances.  In his tenure, Rodgers has already solidified the club as a title contender, developed young sensations into star players, and appears to have bought the right talents to improve his club.  

This weekend, Mario Balotelli has a chance to similarly solidify himself in the good graces of the Liverpool faithful.  With Daniel Sturridge set to miss three weeks with a thigh injury, Balotelli replaces the Englishman as the most accomplished striker at the club.  

Against Aston Villa, Balotelli will almost assuredly lead the line in what is sure to be an offensive outburst from the Reds.  Alberto Moreno has settled into the squad after a troubled start; his 90 yard run with the ball against Tottenham which resulted in a goal was nothing short of pure brilliance.  

Lazar Markovic looks ready to play, while Rickie Lambert has cemented himself as a difference-maker off the bench.  However, Balotelli has yet to officially announce his return to the premier league.  His only attempt on goal was saved by Hugo Lloris, a header which should have found the back of the net.  

Today, Balotelli has a chance to set himself in stone amongst the Reds’ support.  His quality unquestioned, Balotelli can resurrect a career that has hit pothole after pothole on the road to the top.

He showed his class at Manchester City at times, and introduced himself to the international game at the Euro in 2012.  In the absence of Liverpool’s main man, Balotelli has a clear cut chance to break out in style in front of what is sure to be an Anfield crowd with open arms.