Douglas Higginbottom wrote:It takes more than a match or two to make a top player or a bit of brilliance here and there. But Mario has just gone into his last two games with the spotlight really on him.To a degree the Italian team and fans were relying on him and there has certainly been massive media focus surrounding him.
Bit like England with Rooney. Shrek failed toi perform in his first game but got a tap in goal so all was sort of OK. Then he failed again in the 2nd game and we were knocked out deservedly.For me he didnt just fail but was a joke. Mario in his equivalent 2 games played well in the 1st one but the finishing touches were missing.I think some went a little overboard but he was a threat all game and what I liked in the game was the control he had over himself.
Of course a little anger when it didnt quite happen, a bit of frustration here and there but the effort remained.In the next game the finishing touches were there and how.He worried the Germans a lot and I am sure he enjoyed playing with Cassano just as he will like playing with Aguero and maybe Tevez. Yes he was stupid to take his shirt off when he scored but in all other aspects of the game he seemed really motivated to do well and kept a really good focus all the time.
Can't wait to see how it goes against Spain when he is likely to see even less of the ball but again the spotlight will be on him bigtime.Win or lose I hope he plays well stays in control and comes back ready for a great 2012/13 season.
I think the experience is doing him good. He was getting grief from the English and Italian media before the tournament and all the way through, every move has been scrutinised. He kicked the post in frustration against England and a big thing was made of it. One of the Germans did it last night and it was just laughed off.
Living like that can't be easy and brings pressure none of us have experienced. Add to that the racism, both from opposition fans and his own country's top sports paper and it's no surprise he's a bit spikey. That said, the media say you can't take the fire out of Shrek or you lose half the player. Yet Mario needs to grow up.
He has a chance to be an Italian hero on Sunday. This could be the experience that makes him. I've said before that only now is he the same age that RVP was when he arrived at Arsenal and RVP had a couple of dodgy seasons after that. Mario could be in the top few players in the world if he wants. He could also be a damp squib. I really hope it's the former and I really hope it's at City.