Liverpool should have signed Long, not Balotelli insists Reds legend Nicol

05 December 2014 13:29

Liverpool legend Steve Nicol, 52, believes that The Reds should have signed Shane Long rather than Mario Balotelli in the summer. Balotelli was signed in August for a fee of £16million and Southampton, surprisingly bought Shane Long after their summer exodus, for £12million from Hull City. Based on how events have turned out up to now it would seem that his claims are not outlandish to any extent.

Since his arrival Balotelli has yet to score a Premier League goal in nine appearances. On the other hand he has been shown three yellow cards. Not only has Shane Long scored more goals for his club, two in nine, but also his work ethic, as always, has been fantastic. Just as when he was with Reading, West Brom and Hull, he has never stopped moving this season and he has a knack for making things happen. He will never be someone that scores a plethora of goals but certainly, in Nicol’s eyes and mine as well, he is someone that the fans would gravitate towards and idolize. Nicol has also been very critical of the reflection that Balotelli has made on his former famous club.

Nicol says, “He might not have the ability or the CV of Balotelli but the fans would love him. Instead, you've got a guy who is not producing on the field and who's making a mockery of the club off the field.”

Some may think that Nicol is being harsh but some evidence would indicate otherwise. Of course Balotelli has not produced on the field. However, he has also already been involved in some off field extracurriculars. Perhaps his worst offence has been exchanging shirts with Pepe at halftime during their Champions League defeat to Real Madrid at Anfield. This is exactly the type of mockery it would seem Nicol believes he is making of the club and it brought about a swift reaction from Brendan Rodgers.

Rodgers says, "It is not something I stand for. It is something you do at the end of the game.” He continues, Of course, we had a conversation on the culture of this club.”

In addition to his antics, his attitude on the pitch has been far from impressive. Often times he is stoic, frustrated and fed up which is not befitting of a player wearing the Liverpool badge. He looks lethargic, tight and disinterested.

At first glance it might look ridiculous. However, with Suarez gone maybe Long could have replaced at least a little bit of the energy that Anfield lost following his departure to Barcelona. Additionally he is a player that would have certainly suited the culture of the club to a greater extent than Balotelli.

Source: DSG