The English Football Thread

14232949 · 08-21-2014, 11:03 AM

Yeah, Balotelli is a bit of an abnormality though. The same way (and to a much lesser extent) Joey Barton could never be the player his potential promised he could.
I mean, Mario is one of the most technically gifted players in the world, he's just not got the right attitude and mind to be one of football's greats.

That being said though, look at that Liverpool team. It's going to create chances. And this isn't Giroud for Arsenal, Balotelli can take his chances when he's provided.

I feel you on the Benteke comment, but Liverpool are one of those clubs that have went through a lot of strikers; Bellamy, Crouch, Keane, Carroll, Ryan Babbel, etc who all performed exceptionally well at smaller clubs but couldn't get the job done for a big team like Liverpool. What Mario has over Benteke is that he's proven he can perform at the highest level - when he wants to.

~~Cuthbert~~ · 08-21-2014, 11:24 AM

He's mid twenties now as well, if he won't learn now he never will.

Benteke has done more than enough and proved himself across two seasons though imo. To counter that argument I will say he's got a far superior strike rate to Balotelli and that's playing in two consecutive relegation battles and being supported by poor midfielders, not multi million pound players like Silva, Nasri, Yaya etc.

Just some of Benteke's best moments vs the Sky 6 in the Premier League (beware of a gif onslaught):

Spoiler for Goals & assists:

He's the real deal tbh but yeah can see why Liverpool would want a big name.

**Goofle** · 08-21-2014, 12:14 PM

If Balotelli signs for Liverpool and we don't bring anybody in I will legitimately lose my mind.

Unbelievable dithering for us this summer. Absolutely shocking so far.

~~Cuthbert~~ · 08-22-2014, 09:05 AM

That's fucked up. He's only 47.

It's Gazza by the way.

14232949 · 08-22-2014, 01:47 PM

thought he had just signed up to play sunday league lol?

To be honest, it's a miracle he's still alive.

**Goofle** · 08-23-2014, 01:34 PM

Thank fuck for that.

~~Cuthbert~~ · 08-24-2014, 01:52 AM

Mental, didn't catch any games yesterday. Arsenal nick points again.

Watching MOTD now and eating breakfast, shocking defending from the Everton CB for Arsenal's first goal.

Ramsey

.

**Goofle** · 08-24-2014, 07:46 AM

He's better than Bale
He's better than Baaaaaaaale
Aaron Ramsey
He's better than Bale

~~Cuthbert~~ · 08-24-2014, 09:04 AM

Sunderland vs Man Utd gonna enjoy this one, first non Villa I'll see this season.

Man City vs Liverpool tomorrow, free money on this with Bet365. I can't do it, as they have banned me.

~~Cuthbert~~ · 08-27-2014, 04:08 PM

Goofle is happy.

Benteke is raging.

08-21-2014, 11:24 AM	#5472 (permalink)
~~Cuthbert~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: The Black Country Posts: 8,827	He's mid twenties now as well, if he won't learn now he never will. Benteke has done more than enough and proved himself across two seasons though imo. To counter that argument I will say he's got a far superior strike rate to Balotelli and that's playing in two consecutive relegation battles and being supported by poor midfielders, not multi million pound players like Silva, Nasri, Yaya etc. Just some of Benteke's best moments vs the Sky 6 in the Premier League (beware of a gif onslaught): Spoiler for Goals & assists: ^ vs Smalling and Smalling is a big lad. ^ vs Liverpool away, 1-0. ^ that assist for 2-0. ^ 3-0. ^ Chelsea at Villa Park in his first season. ^ Last season vs Chelsea at Stamford Bridge with his weaker foot. ^ vs Liverpool last season at Anfield, can't see it as good there but at the last minute Mignolet got a touch and Benteke had to adjust himself for the header. ^ Arsenal last season Not gonna bother with the two penalties he scored at the Emirates as they are penalties and one of them was very shit. He's the real deal tbh but yeah can see why Liverpool would want a big name.

08-21-2014, 11:03 AM	#5471 (permalink)
14232949 The Big Dog Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Scotland Posts: 1,989	Yeah, Balotelli is a bit of an abnormality though. The same way (and to a much lesser extent) Joey Barton could never be the player his potential promised he could. I mean, Mario is one of the most technically gifted players in the world, he's just not got the right attitude and mind to be one of football's greats. That being said though, look at that Liverpool team. It's going to create chances. And this isn't Giroud for Arsenal, Balotelli can take his chances when he's provided. I feel you on the Benteke comment, but Liverpool are one of those clubs that have went through a lot of strikers; Bellamy, Crouch, Keane, Carroll, Ryan Babbel, etc who all performed exceptionally well at smaller clubs but couldn't get the job done for a big team like Liverpool. What Mario has over Benteke is that he's proven he can perform at the highest level - when he wants to.

08-22-2014, 09:05 AM	#5474 (permalink)
~~Cuthbert~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: The Black Country Posts: 8,827	That's fucked up. He's only 47. It's Gazza by the way.

08-22-2014, 01:47 PM	#5475 (permalink)
14232949 The Big Dog Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Scotland Posts: 1,989	thought he had just signed up to play sunday league lol? To be honest, it's a miracle he's still alive.

08-24-2014, 01:52 AM	#5477 (permalink)
~~Cuthbert~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: The Black Country Posts: 8,827	Mental, didn't catch any games yesterday. Arsenal nick points again. Watching MOTD now and eating breakfast, shocking defending from the Everton CB for Arsenal's first goal. Ramsey .

08-24-2014, 09:04 AM	#5479 (permalink)
~~Cuthbert~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: The Black Country Posts: 8,827	Sunderland vs Man Utd gonna enjoy this one, first non Villa I'll see this season. Man City vs Liverpool tomorrow, free money on this with Bet365. I can't do it, as they have banned me.

08-27-2014, 04:08 PM	#5480 (permalink)
~~Cuthbert~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: The Black Country Posts: 8,827	Goofle is happy. Benteke is raging.