Sunday, 31st August, 2014
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has praised Mario Balotelli's impact after the Italian made his debut for the club in their 3-0 win away at Tottenham Hotspur today.
Balotelli, who was signed from AC Milan for £16m, was played up front with Daniel Sturridge and impressed throughout with his powerful play, even though he did miss two guilt-edged opportunities to score.
In the end it did not matter as goals from Raheem Sterling (8th minute), Gerrard (49th minute, penalty) and Alberto Moreno (60th minute) sealed a comfortable 3-0 win and three points.
Gerrard admits many eyes were on Balotelli, who was brought off in the 61st minute, but feels he impressed.
Gerrard told Sky Sports: "Everyone had eyes on him and credit to him I thought he was terrific for an hour. He could be the difference regarding whether we can compete or not.
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"He has been terrific since he came in. He works hard and he will only improve with a manager like Brendan Rodgers."
Gerrard was also asked whether Balotelli had changed his opinion of him throughout the week in training, but the former England captain claims he had no prior opinion of the Italian.
"To be honest I don't have an opinion of people until I work with them myself", he added.
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