Ex-Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has flourished during his time in Nice.
Mario Balotelli has been a hit for Nice
On transfer deadline day, Mario Balotelli left Liverpool for Nice on a free transfer, and most Reds fans were happy to see the back of the perceived ‘trouble-maker’.
No one has ever doubted the Italian’s talent and ability, but his work-rate has often left a lot to be desired, leading to the impression that he is not a team player and as Jose Mourinho once described him – ‘unmanageable’.
The former Manchester City and Inter Milan star has found a new lease of life in France, however, and is finally showing what he is actually capable of on a regular basis.
Balotelli has managed six goals in six league games for Nice, helping his side reach the Ligue 1 summit, and they currently sit three points clear of second placed Monaco.
It is hard to argue that Liverpool are missing the 25-year-old hitman, with them currently sitting second in the Premier League table, having scored three more goals than any other team in the division.
Mario Balotelli never neared himself to Liverpool fans
Balotelli is the kind of player though who, much maligned as he is, can produce something out of nothing, and with the correct application and understanding of what Jürgen Klopp expects of his players, who is to say that he would not have been a great asset for Liverpool this season?
Unfortunately for the Italian, he is set to miss Nice’s next three games with a calf injury, reported here via BBC Sport, but if he continues to perform the way in which he has done of late upon his return, will Reds fans be left wondering what might have been?
Or just glad they got rid of him when they did?
The jury is still out on that one.
Mario Balotelli during his Liverpool days
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
