Misfiring Mario Balotelli

Balotelli has cut a dismal figure for Liverpool since his move in the summer

Mario Balotelli arrived at Liverpool this summer after Luis Suarez left for Barcelona. Many people expressed doubts as to whether the talismanic, but troubled striker would ever be able to recreate the magic that Suarez produced for Liverpool. It's been just four months at Anfield since his move and he has played 15 games so far scoring just 2 goals, against Middlesborough and Ludogorets.

Balotelli has linked up well with Daniel Sturridge in the few games that they have played together. His debut at Tottenham was brilliant. He linked up well with Sturridge and Sterling in that match. But Sturridge and Sterling have been facing fitness issues and Balotelli has struggled up front as the lone striker.

He scored 28 goals from 43 starts for AC Milan, and 30 goals from 49 starts for Manchester City. Those impressive statistics convinced Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool to buy him for £16 million. Doubts have always existed about the Italy international forward's attitude, hunger and desire ever since he first played in England for Manchester City three years ago and his performances for Liverpool have done nothing to persuade his critics to say otherwise.

The Italian did look sharp after coming on as a substitute against Manchester United and was perhaps unlucky not to score as home goalkeeper David de Gea was in great form.Although, the forward hasn't produced many great performances so far this season.

Rodgers himself had admitted that the decision to buy Balotelli towards the end of the summer transfer window had been a gamble. He said : 'I felt it was a risk we needed to take with Mario because, as a group, we couldn’t afford not to at that time.It was obviously late on and we needed to have someone in. It’s something that we can’t regret now. I made it clear at the beginning it was a calculated risk - and that is why he probably costed the money he did.'

How long can Rodgers keep faith in him?

Liverpool, who seem to be running out of patience on the gamble that saw them sign Mario Balotelli for £16million from Milan this summer, need to bolster their strike force in the winter transfer window if they are to mount a good challenge for the top four this season.Speculation has been rife that Mario Balotelli may leave the Reds in the winter transfer window.A loan move to Napoli has been in discussion in the tabloids. But Liverpool have denied these reports.

Balotelli's performances for Liverpool have been vey disappointing. He has shown flashes of what a terrifying striker he is, but only on a couple of occasions.

He isn't Luis Suarez. He is Mario Balotelli. Their styles of play differ vastly. While Suarez is a tenacious runner and good-dribbler, Balotelli is a brilliant target man and can hit astonishing shots from distance. But Balotelli needs to step up his performances . He needs to play better , to link up better with whosoever is upfront with him .

Otherwise, Liverpool management and the fans may soon run out of patience with him and he may have to look for a new club.