Balotelli versus Benteke

[Im_Spartacus]

So the same ol' reply for you lot as well. There is a difference between criticizing a player:

"X had a bad game"
"X is not putting in enough effort"
"X should have made that tackle/pass/shot"

And speaking out of your arse about a player:

Someone who just signed for the club and is playing their first season in England -
"Fucking useless and needs to be sold asap"
Someone who is a member of the starting 11 while we win trophies for the 1st time in 4 decades and makes a mistake in one game -
"Gutless choking cunt who never puts in a good shift"
Someone who was one of the top performers in a European Championship and is universally regarded as one of the top younger talents in the world -
"Would gladly trade this clown for X player who has had a good 1/2 season in the PL"

The first examples are pointing out what a player is doing bad while still SUPPORTING them/City. The second examples are using hyperbole to show you are displeased with a player (or just plain being thick) while giving up on a City team member. If you don't understand the difference there is no point in having a conversation as I am speaking with a rock.

Thing is though, if everyone shared the same view, football would be boring.

I get where you're coming from and get your point, but there are plenty of us who are capable of being objective about city players and in the case pf balotelli, we have just had enough. He doesnt deliver, time after time we hear the hype but never see it delivered on the pitch......what do we have......one pass, a game for italy? Do me a favour

Everyone harks back to this stunning Euros that he had - i'm starting to see this as one of the biggest footballing whoppers because I wattched the games he was involved in, and aside from one game where he was unplayable, he absolutely stank the place out. Thats not hyperbole, thats a fact.....check some of the independant match ratings if you dont believe me.

I'm all for backing our players, and I back Mario until he gets on the pitch and serves up another turgid lifeless performance.......but, you wont hear me abusing him at the game - he gets 100% support whilst on the pitch as i'm sure all the other 'haters' you have called out would agree. But when I come on here I want to discuss the merits and failings of a players performance, and in the case of Balo, Nasri, Yaya (at the time), the criticisms by many posters were entirely justified due to a long run of sub par performances.

Differemces with Nasri and Yaya, is that we have seen them deliver consistently elsewhere, but with Mario its a distant promise of something which may or may not happen, and I personally believe that we need a 4th striker who contributes every time he takes the pitch - or at worse, contributes more often than not

I dont think thats an unfair expectation to have of a title winning squad is it?

[Dwaring]

In all honesty I think all of our strikers get the short end of the stick as none of them ever get a large string of games to truly get going. I understand getting them rest and its nice to have our options but to get into the flow of a season you have to be getting consecutive starts. Yes runouts and subs help some what but its nothing like starting and going a good 90 mins.

Think about it ballo flourished when he was given starts in the euro. Last year dzeko was in form early, aguero mid year and tevez to finish up. I know there issues preventing this some times such as injuries, suspensions, fatigue but. At other clubs you might have a bad game and be an automatic start anyway next match. Here you struggle and you might not see another start for a month.

Not saying Bert's doing anything wrong but it's got to be rough on those four up front.

[kinkylola]

some people might argue that balotelli has barely ever been played in position for city ... while he flourished in the role at the euro's. With the players we have now, I don't see balo getting that chance sadly.

by the way, bentenke is in no where near mario's current level ... and miles from mario's potential. There is not even a discussion to be had about it.

[Pretty Boy Lee]

The problem with the barely ever played argument is there's a little Mexican cunt over the road who gets the same deal and scores all the fucking time.

And to the best of my knowledge that little fucker had never claimed to be better than every other footballer on the planet.


I just want Mario to back up his own words.

[kinkylola]

The problem with the barely ever played argument is there's a little Mexican cunt over the road who gets the same deal and scores all the fucking time.

And to the best of my knowledge that little fucker had never claimed to be better than every other footballer on the planet.


I just want Mario to back up his own words.

almost but not quite.

Hernandez comes on as a poacher, and all he is set to do is score goals. By the way, he looks shit more often than not.

When Mario played in the euro's, he was the main man, (almost) lone striker and the tip of the spear. Cassano drifted around and didn't act like a striker at all, that was all Mario's job. He won't get that opportunity here, because we have players like tevez and aguero who are amazing players. You couldn't bench them to give mario a run at it all by himself ... not with the pressure we are under. So, as I said ... he won't get that chance. We also don't play as the rags do, even when we are losing and trying to get people forward, so the argument is pretty flat from your end as well.

I'd also love Mario to back up his talk ... but he won't get the chance here, it just isn't how we play and he's got too much going against him already. I will always hope Mario doesn't leave the club ... I certainly hope he doesn't in this window.

[Hazy2]

some people might argue that balotelli has barely ever been played in position for city ... while he flourished in the role at the euro's. With the players we have now, I don't see balo getting that chance sadly.

by the way, bentenke is in no where near mario's current level ... and miles from mario's potential. There is not even a discussion to be had about it.

Not having that, the Villa lad ran his bollocks off last night something I have never seen Mario do for us. Benteke is gonna be a player.

[I Just Blue Myself]

some people might argue that balotelli has barely ever been played in position for city ... while he flourished in the role at the euro's. With the players we have now, I don't see balo getting that chance sadly.

by the way, bentenke is in no where near mario's current level ... and miles from mario's potential. There is not even a discussion to be had about it.

Not having that, the Villa lad ran his bollocks off last night something I have never seen Mario do for us. Benteke is gonna be a player.

James Hanson ran his bollocks off as well, is he gonna be a player too? In fact, all Bradford players ran their bollocks off. Why don't we compare them to Mario, too. Should be fun. Balotelli v Hanson, Balotelli v Wells, Balotelli v Hines...

Benteke's gonna be a player alright. A player for Villa, Everton, Newcastle & the like. Fair play to him, he puts himself about & scores the odd goal. And while we're at it, that bald fella wasn't too shabby either, he could do a job in our midfield.

[Blue Since 76]

Is the Mario that everyone is saying had such a brilliant time at the Euros the same one who forgot he was a striker when one on one in the Spain game before being hauled off by the coach?

Yes, he played well against Germany, but that's one decent game I've seen him have in two and a half seasons.

I love Mario taking penalties- for a spot kick, there is no player in the world I'd prefer to be taking it for us. I love someone who can score a goal with his shoulder, because he thought it'd be more interesting than just heading it like a normal person would have. But it's all just fleeting glimpses. I wish he'd become the third best player in the world, like he claimed he was, hell, I'd settle for third best striker in the Premier League. I'd even be happy with third best striker at City. But it's just not happening. Whether that is due to him, Mancini, the way we play, the weather, the food, the altitude, I don't know and I'm past caring.

I just want someone who performs to the best of their abilities on the pitch - a 7/10 every week with the occasional 9 or 10/10. Mario is no where near that and, if you took the penalties out, would barely trouble the scorer. When the team is announced, how many people hope Mario is in the starting line up? When a change is required, how many times have you thought 'bring Mario on' rather than one of the other three?

I hope he's a success wherever he goes and I hope we remember to add in a sell on clause, just in case. But he'd be gone for the first bid north of £20m for me and anything above£15m would make me think seriously.

[Hazy2]

some people might argue that balotelli has barely ever been played in position for city ... while he flourished in the role at the euro's. With the players we have now, I don't see balo getting that chance sadly.

by the way, bentenke is in no where near mario's current level ... and miles from mario's potential. There is not even a discussion to be had about it.

Not having that, the Villa lad ran his bollocks off last night something I have never seen Mario do for us. Benteke is gonna be a player.

James Hanson ran his bollocks off as well, is he gonna be a player too? In fact, all Bradford players ran their bollocks off. Why don't we compare them to Mario, too. Should be fun. Balotelli v Hanson, Balotelli v Wells, Balotelli v Hines...

Benteke's gonna be a player alright. A player for Villa, Everton, Newcastle & the like. Fair play to him, he puts himself about & scores the odd goal. And while we're at it, that bald fella wasn't too shabby either, he could do a job in our midfield.

They dont play for the same Country as our Captain or have a 1 in 2 for the national team. To play with that shite and still put the shift in he is credit to him, all about opinions mate.

[Foreverinbluedreams]

When did Mario say he was the third best player in the world? Anyone got quotes? I recall him saying that he strives to be the best in the world but as far as I'm aware them claims were just word twisting from the media, just to give us another stick with which to beat him.

I do recall him saying that when he won the Golden Boy award that of the previous winners only Messi and Ronaldo were ahead of him in terms of how good they were when they won the award.

[kinkylola]

i hope mario is in the teamsheet for games, and I hope he gets brought on as a sub when he's not ... because I actually do want him to succeed.

Mario gets so much criticism for the smallest things ... things that almost no other player would be that harshly criticized for. He tried a backheel pass that didn't work against Utd? automatically he had a shit game and should be executed. Meanwhile, he spends a lot of time in every game, doing exactly what we want a striker to do, making runs off the ball, drawing players out, being a nuisance and having defenders shit themslves because they have no idea what he will do. It's just a shame that our other players ignore him. like our fans, they've probably begun to believe the unbelievable prejudice that he has against him before he even kicks a ball.

It's a shame because Mario is one of the few real characters left in the sport. And he is talented, there is no argument to have there either.

[Blue Since 76]

i hope mario is in the teamsheet for games, and I hope he gets brought on as a sub when he's not ... because I actually do want him to succeed.

Mario gets so much criticism for the smallest things ... things that almost no other player would be that harshly criticized for. He tried a backheel pass that didn't work against Utd? automatically he had a shit game and should be executed. Meanwhile, he spends a lot of time in every game, doing exactly what we want a striker to do, making runs off the ball, drawing players out, being a nuisance and having defenders shit themslves because they have no idea what he will do. It's just a shame that our other players ignore him. like our fans, they've probably begun to believe the unbelievable prejudice that he has against him before he even kicks a ball.

It's a shame because Mario is one of the few real characters left in the sport. And he is talented, there is no argument to have there either.

Other than the backheel, can you remember anything else he did in the derby?

[Blue Since 76]

When did Mario say he was the third best player in the world? Anyone got quotes? I recall him saying that he strives to be the best in the world but as far as I'm aware them claims were just word twisting from the media, just to give us another stick with which to beat him.

I do recall him saying that when he won the Golden Boy award that of the previous winners only Messi and Ronaldo were ahead of him in terms of how good they were when they won the award.

You're correct - he said he was the second best young player to have won the award:

The Italy international then had a dig at previous winners of the award, including Fábregas, Rooney and Rafael van der Vaart, insisting only one past recipient could claim to be better than him. "There's only one that is a little stronger than me: Messi. All the others are behind me.

"I am delighted to receive the award, but who should have won it but me? Two years ago I finished sixth and then fourth in 2009. It was finally my turn. My aim is that this prize will transform itself into the Ballon d'Or. To have won this award is a good omen to achieve that."

How's he getting on with winning that Ballon d'Or?

[Foreverinbluedreams]

i hope mario is in the teamsheet for games, and I hope he gets brought on as a sub when he's not ... because I actually do want him to succeed.

Mario gets so much criticism for the smallest things ... things that almost no other player would be that harshly criticized for. He tried a backheel pass that didn't work against Utd? automatically he had a shit game and should be executed. Meanwhile, he spends a lot of time in every game, doing exactly what we want a striker to do, making runs off the ball, drawing players out, being a nuisance and having defenders shit themslves because they have no idea what he will do. It's just a shame that our other players ignore him. like our fans, they've probably begun to believe the unbelievable prejudice that he has against him before he even kicks a ball.

It's a shame because Mario is one of the few real characters left in the sport. And he is talented, there is no argument to have there either.

Other than the backheel, can you remember anything else he did in the derby?

I can, he set up Barry nicely for a shot on goal, which unfortunately Barry shanked.

[Foreverinbluedreams]

When did Mario say he was the third best player in the world? Anyone got quotes? I recall him saying that he strives to be the best in the world but as far as I'm aware them claims were just word twisting from the media, just to give us another stick with which to beat him.

I do recall him saying that when he won the Golden Boy award that of the previous winners only Messi and Ronaldo were ahead of him in terms of how good they were when they won the award.

You're correct - he said he was the second best young player to have won the award:

The Italy international then had a dig at previous winners of the award, including Fábregas, Rooney and Rafael van der Vaart, insisting only one past recipient could claim to be better than him. "There's only one that is a little stronger than me: Messi. All the others are behind me.

"I am delighted to receive the award, but who should have won it but me? Two years ago I finished sixth and then fourth in 2009. It was finally my turn. My aim is that this prize will transform itself into the Ballon d'Or. To have won this award is a good omen to achieve that."

How's he getting on with winning that Ballon d'Or?

Well he made the 40 man list this year, so I guess you could say he's getting there.

[Pretty Boy Lee]

almost but not quite.

Hernandez comes on as a poacher, and all he is set to do is score goals. By the way, he looks shit more often than not.

When Mario played in the euro's, he was the main man, (almost) lone striker and the tip of the spear. Cassano drifted around and didn't act like a striker at all, that was all Mario's job. He won't get that opportunity here, because we have players like tevez and aguero who are amazing players. You couldn't bench them to give mario a run at it all by himself ... not with the pressure we are under. So, as I said ... he won't get that chance. We also don't play as the rags do, even when we are losing and trying to get people forward, so the argument is pretty flat from your end as well.

I'd also love Mario to back up his talk ... but he won't get the chance here, it just isn't how we play and he's got too much going against him already. I will always hope Mario doesn't leave the club ... I certainly hope he doesn't in this window.

I think Mario is a better player, but didn't he once say he doesn't celebrate because scoring is his job? Or like breathing or something?

If so (please correct me if I'm wrong, dodgy memory) then surely if the little scrote at utd can come on and score Mario should too?

[Burt]

i hope mario is in the teamsheet for games, and I hope he gets brought on as a sub when he's not ... because I actually do want him to succeed.

Mario gets so much criticism for the smallest things ... things that almost no other player would be that harshly criticized for. He tried a backheel pass that didn't work against Utd? automatically he had a shit game and should be executed. Meanwhile, he spends a lot of time in every game, doing exactly what we want a striker to do, making runs off the ball, drawing players out, being a nuisance and having defenders shit themslves because they have no idea what he will do. It's just a shame that our other players ignore him. like our fans, they've probably begun to believe the unbelievable prejudice that he has against him before he even kicks a ball.

It's a shame because Mario is one of the few real characters left in the sport. And he is talented, there is no argument to have there either.

Other than the backheel, can you remember anything else he did in the derby?

I can, he set up Barry nicely for a shot on goal, which unfortunately Barry shanked.

I just love it when someone comes back with factual evidence like this!

Well done mate. He made quite a few good runs in the derby and no fucler could be bothered passing to him. He can't do much if we don't give him the ball in those situations can he!!!

[Ted Hughes]

i hope mario is in the teamsheet for games, and I hope he gets brought on as a sub when he's not ... because I actually do want him to succeed.

Mario gets so much criticism for the smallest things ... things that almost no other player would be that harshly criticized for. He tried a backheel pass that didn't work against Utd? automatically he had a shit game and should be executed. Meanwhile, he spends a lot of time in every game, doing exactly what we want a striker to do, making runs off the ball, drawing players out, being a nuisance and having defenders shit themslves because they have no idea what he will do. It's just a shame that our other players ignore him. like our fans, they've probably begun to believe the unbelievable prejudice that he has against him before he even kicks a ball.

It's a shame because Mario is one of the few real characters left in the sport. And he is talented, there is no argument to have there either.

Other than the backheel, can you remember anything else he did in the derby?

I can, he set up Barry nicely for a shot on goal, which unfortunately Barry shanked.

I just love it when someone comes back with factual evidence like this!

Well done mate. He made quite a few good runs in the derby and no fucler could be bothered passing to him. He can't do much if we don't give him the ball in those situations can he!!!

100% correct.

[Hazy2]

i hope mario is in the teamsheet for games, and I hope he gets brought on as a sub when he's not ... because I actually do want him to succeed.

Mario gets so much criticism for the smallest things ... things that almost no other player would be that harshly criticized for. He tried a backheel pass that didn't work against Utd? automatically he had a shit game and should be executed. Meanwhile, he spends a lot of time in every game, doing exactly what we want a striker to do, making runs off the ball, drawing players out, being a nuisance and having defenders shit themslves because they have no idea what he will do. It's just a shame that our other players ignore him. like our fans, they've probably begun to believe the unbelievable prejudice that he has against him before he even kicks a ball.

It's a shame because Mario is one of the few real characters left in the sport. And he is talented, there is no argument to have there either.

Other than the backheel, can you remember anything else he did in the derby?

I can, he set up Barry nicely for a shot on goal, which unfortunately Barry shanked.

I just love it when someone comes back with factual evidence like this!

Well done mate. He made quite a few good runs in the derby and no fucler could be bothered passing to him. He can't do much if we don't give him the ball in those situations can he!!!

100% correct.

Mario against the rags was dragged off FACT. Get over it, The manager thought he was having a mare. We turned it around Without him Fact. Tevez brought a Derby to life BY RUNNING THE OLD BASTARD WIO around causing complete panic in the rags. LEARN MARIO, HARD WORK IS THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENT FACT. Mario is a talent Fact, He never SEEMS TO play last for the team Fact, The Derby had him IMHO the chance to rip WIO a new Hole exposing his lack of pace ,kick start his City life he blew it Fact. Is that reason to get rid of him,If we can get 20 mill YES. His price is not rising

[BobbyDazzler]

Who would think that the following quotes would come from a CITY fan forum (?!?):

Ballo has talent, I'm not denying that, but the 'he will learn he is still young' argument (or excuse depending on your view point) doesn't stack up when compared to Benteke, who is a real handful and proven goalscorer in a struggling side in the same league at the same age.

You're spot on. The balotelli world class potential is a myth IMO. We tend to over hype our own players. Benteke is a quality young striker with great potential. Mario is a comedian in a football kit.

Hate to say it, but he's brilliant self promoter like Beckham.

If I was pushed I'd even argue that Benteke would outscore Balotelli or at least edge it on performances.

For what MArio has actually contributed over the last couple of seasons, he is up there with Robinho when it comes to value for money.

Theres already 7 or 8 threads discussing Mario littered with absolute shit from our own fans. No one should universally praise Balo, as everyone makes mistakes. But how quickly people can turn against him and forget what he's accomplished for us is astounding (highest goals/minutes ratio in all of the PL last season, best performer in our FA Cup win, best performer in 6-1 thrashing of the rags, assist to win us the title...). This is complete shite and everyone below should be fucking ashamed of yourselves:

Spurge
london blue 2
Pretty Boy Lee
Michael Brookes
BobbyDazzler

What does Yaya actually do...Mario is useless...Barry is shite...Nasri is pants...Dzeko is a donkey...Kolarov is crap...Lescott is a liability...Milner is a headless chicken...Javi is a traffic cone...Sinclair is worthless...Rodwell is hopeless

There's basically a whole starting 11 from The Champions that continuously get slated by their own "supporters" on here. Does "supporters" mean something different or are some people on here just unbelievably thick/petulant children?

You're absolutely right. How dare I express my own, considered, personal opinion on a thread on which people are invited to express their own opinions. I shall hand back my season ticket forthwith, and get some birch and flog myself senseless for my lack of loyalty. Were we to sign El Hadj Diouf, John Terry and Lord Baconface himself, I must learn to discard personal opinion and bow down because they wear blue. FFS.

I never have slagged off someone on the pitch, and I never would. As far as your other list goes, Yaya, Barry, Kolarov, Lescott & Milner are all top drawer. Javi is getting better, Rodwell I've not seen enough of to make up my mind. Nasri at the moment is not doing enough, and I don't think anyone knows why the fuck we signed Sinclair. I sincerely hope my bare faced cheek in having an opinion doesn't offend you too greatly.Or should I bend over for Sinclair too?