Why I don’t think Mario Balotelli has been revived after joining Nice
Let’s start by saying I actually kinda like Mario Balotelli. Sure, time after time Balotelli’s failed to perform, but there’s something about him. I previously talked about his obvious potential but inconsistent performances, and I do believe he’s capable of being a great footballer.
So what’s Mario Balotelli’s problem? Well I’m sure plenty of managers could tell you its his attitude that’s the problem. If you take a moment to google Mario, you’ll find plenty of funny videos showing his childish behaviour while training. He didn’t work at Liverpool under Brendan Rodger, and Jurgen Klopp didn’t want him around either.
Plenty of managers have tried and failed to get the best out of Mario Balotelli, but have Nice finally managed to revive his downhill career? It would appear so. Mario has played 2 games for Nice and scored 4 goals for the French side.
Is super Mario back?
Surely the fact he’s scoring again means he’s back to his best? 2 goals in just 4 games to see Nice top the French league is good – right?
You’ve got to give him credit, he’s scored more league goals in 2 games than he’s managed in the past 2 season combined. The goals he’s scored aren’t exactly poor either, but how much can you credit someone for bossing the French league?
It’s the same sort of thing that occurred with Hatem Ben Arfa. A player with a bad attitude joins a side in an easier league, coincidentally the same team, and they step up in order to make the most out of a chance nearing their last.
Ben Arfa looked revived at Nice, but he’s now being frozen out of the PSG side not long after joining.
Going to a poorer league and doing better should be expected. The French league isn’t awful, but it’s nothing compared to the Premier League. The lower intensity allows the team to play to Balotelli’s style, and lacking a quality striker of course they’re going to play to him.
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Balotelli is stepping up, but I don’t think he’s revived and back on his way to being a top player anytime soon. He’s not going to win the Ballon d’Or at Nice, that’s for sure.
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