Friday, 31st October, 2014
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes feels Mario Balotelli is taking the spotlight away from Brendan Rodgers’ questionable summer transfer activity.
Rodgers brought as many as eight new players in the summer to strengthen the Liverpool squad for their twin assault on the Premier League and the Champions League.
Most of the new signings are taking time to settle down at the club, but Balotelli has grabbed most of the headlines both on and off the pitch.
And Scholes feels that the Italian striker is turning out to be a convenient scapegoat for Rodgers’ questionable transfer activity in the summer.
The former England midfielder feels Rodgers went for quantity, but should have focused on bringing in fewer players of proven pedigree.
relatedNewsStory
He added that the hit and miss nature of the Liverpool manager’s signings means Balotelli should not take all the blame for the club’s inconsistent run this season.
"Balotelli has taken the spotlight off some of the other summer signings", Scholes wrote in his column for The Independent.
"Dejan Lovren has struggled. Lazar Markovic has not scored and he cost £20m. Alberto Moreno is quick but is yet to convince as a defender.
“Adam Lallana is the only one who looks like he is comfortable with the shift, and at £25m he was overpriced.
"I recognise Brendan Rodgers needed a bigger squad, but they should have gone for fewer players and greater quality. Balotelli cannot take the blame for all of that."
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.
