Mario Balotelli Future Doubted by Brendan Rodgers in Liverpool vs. Hull Presser

Manager Brendan Rodgers has cast serious doubts over Mario Balotelli's long-term value at Liverpool in his press conference ahead of the Reds' Premier League match with Hull on Saturday.

The Italian striker moved to Anfield over the summer for £16 million as Rodgers attempted to make up for the loss of Luis Suarez to Barcelona.

However, Balotelli has made a poor start to his Liverpool career and was particularly subpar against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday—when he was substituted at half-time—and in Sunday's 3-2 away win at QPR.

As reported by the Liverpool Echo's James Pearce, Rodgers is unconvinced as to whether Balotelli is good enough for his Liverpool side despite his efforts:

The comments come in the wake of Liverpool's 3-0 loss to Madrid on Wednesday after which Balotelli was heavily criticised for swapping shirts with Pepe at half-time, per Dominic King in the Daily Mail.  

There are many who feel that the furore surrounding this incident has somewhat taken away from the more glaring overall issues in the Liverpool squad, per Bleacher Report UK, but—scapegoat or not—Balotelli has been largely woeful this season:

He has yet to score in the league, and it's not for lack of opportunities. Against QPR, he shot over the bar with the goal-mouth gaping, per 101 Great Goals:

However, more concerning for Liverpool and their fans is Balotelli's general demeanour when his form is poor. Despite what Rodgers says about his work on the training field, he often goes missing if things are not working out for him during a match.

Liverpool's Northern Irish boss must hope that the 24-year-old begins to show the sparks of genius he has previously displayed at his previous clubs, Inter Milan, Manchester City and AC Milan.

Whether Balotelli will start against Hull remains to be seen, but Rodgers did seem to indicate that his other summer striker signing, Rickie Lambert, could not be seen as a genuine full-time alternative, per Squawka:

With Daniel Sturridge—Liverpool's undisputed No. 1 striker—still set to be out with a calf injury for another few weeks, the Anfield outfit have a growing problem up front. 

Rodgers has admitted previously that Balotelli's signing was risky but that he was the only player available as he looked for a replacement for Suarez, per Andy Hunter in The Guardian.

At the moment, it looks as though it was not a risk worth taking, but with very few other options, Liverpool are likely going to have to rely on Balotelli to turn his form around.

The Reds sit fifth in the Premier League table, having won four of their eight games, but have not looked convincing of late even in victory over QPR.

Rodgers may provoke a positive response from Balotelli by calling him out in this way, as the Italian certainly does have enormous skill. However, there is also the possibility that his malaise may deepen under such criticism.

Liverpool fans will be hoping for the former for the good of their season.