Mario Mario Mario

Mario Balotelli delivered a somewhat bizarre performance at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon that only served to provide a minor distraction from a supurb Arsenal victory. Balotelli is a genuine enigma and can be sure to stay in the thoughts of British observers for many years to come. Sadly it seems clear that we will not see the best of super Mario on these shores, however no matter how good or bad his performances are, he is guaranteed box office.




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So how good is Mario Balotelli? In recent days many observers have suggested that he has a detrimental effect on team mates and he is a clown on the pitch. It is worth noting that Balotelli has scored 17 goals in 31 games this season for Manchester City, if Jermain Defoe had the same output for Spurs then would he be received with such derision or be lauded for having an excellent season?

Short sighted pundits, media and the public are quick to dismiss Balotelli as a clown and useless, however there can be no doubt about his ability and potential. I believe it is foolish to judge any single person who is 21 years old, of course he is going to play more games and not only improve, but mature on and off the pitch as well. It is a game of expectations, those in football understand just how good Balotelli is and what he could achieve in the game, hence the disappointment when he is seen to not be interested when he was on the pitch at the Emirates Stadium. It would be wise to remember that the worst of Balotelli is still far greater than the vast majority who represent their respective clubs in the Premier League.



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His performance on Sunday was odd and reminded me of when I played a game on a freezing, cold, wet Tuesday evening and I did not want to be on the pitch. I was not interested in the game and ended up feigning an injury so I could come off and get warm again. Balotelli is paid a fortune and the public will quite rightly demand he works very hard for all the money. However in the world of Balotelli where he has everything he has ever wanted, what more is there for him to do? I suspect he has already 'made it' in his eyes and whether he works hard on the pitch or not, it holds little consequence. Our attachments to our football teams and not always mirrored by those who represent them. Our love of football is not always shared by those who play the game.

I hope super Mario will fulfill his footballing potential, if he is does then we will all witness one of the very best players in the world. As it stands however Balotelli is an enigma and a beautiful one at that.