Steven Gerrard has backed new signing Mario Balotelli to prove a success at Liverpool, reports Sky Sports.
The Italian played 60 minutes of Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Tottenham, and impressed with what proved to be a lively debut.
And the Reds skipper – who scored the second goal at White Hart Lane from the penalty spot – reckons there is plenty more to come from the 24-year-old.
Gerrard also believes Balotelli will benefit from what he described as a ‘the best fans in the world.’
“With all due respect to Manchester City and AC Milan, Mario is going to get a different kind of support here,” the Reds captain said.
“These are the best fans in the world and traditionally they always get behind our strikers. I’ve told him it’s there for him.
“If he plays well and works hard for these supporters, they’ll get behind him. He won’t have experienced support like that he’s about to get.
“He’s a big, strong lad. He held it up terrifically well. All eyes were on him and I thought he was a terrific team player.
“He did a lot of ugly work for the team and showed some really good touches. You’ve got to remember that he’s only had three lots of 45 minutes in pre-season, so with game time and getting used to the manager and players around him, he’s going to be a terrific player for us.”
What did you make of Balotelli’s Liverpool debut? Do you think he will prove a successful signing? Let us know your thoughts below.
