Mario Balotelli 4

How to solve a problem like Mario? Roberto Mancini, his Manchester City manager, seems to have no answer: play him, drop him, praise him, fine him… Mancini is no closing to finding what makes Mario tick. However, selling the unpredictable Italian could be the worst move Mancini and Man City make.

For while Balotelli continues to gather more headlines off the pitch than on it, and those performances on the pitch are not commended but lamented, the ex-Internazionale striker has wonderful footballing ability. The problem is motivating him to produce that ability on the pitch and stopping the petulance more associated with a toddler at their siblings’ birthday party than an international footballer and millionaire in front of worldwide cameras.

Here are five reasons why Mancini should keep his fellow countryman at the Etihad.

1. On His Day, He Is Unstoppable

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Balotelli is brilliant on his day. Strong, quick, proficient in the air, excellent on the ground, and as his penalties show, a remarkable composure for someone so young, Balotelli is as happy linking up the play as he is getting on the end of it. He is a complete striker, able to fill any number of roles, and can put in world class performances when the mood takes him.

Then comes the ‘but…’ and there is always a but with Balotelli. He can be phenomenal but he can also be atrocious. Often he goes missing and his team have to figuratively play with ten men, other times tantrums mean his team literally has to play with ten men because Balotelli has picked up a ridiculous red card.

However, while Sergio Aguero took the plaudits for his last gasp winner against QPR to win the title for City, it was Balotelli who kept calm while all around them were losing their heads, playing in the Argentine for the winner.

At Euro 2012 Balotelli scored three goals, including two goals in the 2-1 semi final win over Germany, demonstrating that when he is on his game he is one of Europe’s top strikers. With City’s current issues in front of goal, Balotelli could be vital but it’s clear that a bit part role does not suit him or his ego.

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