Mario Balotelli's Return Makes Little Difference to Liverpool's Setup

The return of Mario Balotelli from his one-match ban for Liverpool's Premier League clash at Burnley on Boxing Day looks likely to make little difference to Brendan Rodgers' first-team setup.

Rodgers not-so-subtly hinted that he now sees the Italian as a squad player, suggesting Balotelli will merely replace the suspended Fabio Borini in the matchday 18.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, as per LiverpoolFC.com, he told reporters: "The most important thing is Mario is available after his ban. It adds another player to our squad and another player who is available, especially with Fabio Borini unavailable [due to suspension]."

Indeed, due to injury, suspension and being out of favour, Balotelli hasn't started in the Premier League since the 2-1 defeat at home to Chelsea on November 8.

Jon Super/Associated Press

The 24-year-old's Liverpool career has very quickly become a damp squib, with just two goals to his name and appearances in rapid decline.

Liverpool look a slower team going forward with Balotelli in the side—a far cry from the anarchy they created with relentless attacks last season.

Always a figure wrapped in scrutiny, the wolves are coming for the Italy international, and Liverpool's movements in the January transfer window could surely spell a crunch moment for the striker.

Just last week, former Liverpool and England midfielder Paul Ince spoke of how the Reds should cut their losses with the forward. He told talkSPORT (h/t Jack Wilson of the Daily Star):

"

It seems like people are frightened to say something to him in case he goes the other way.

They keep saying what a great, talented player he is but I’m yet to see it.

I think the quicker Brendan Rodgers sees it and can gets rid of him the better, to be honest, and the better it will be for everyone because there is a lack of spirit in that Liverpool side.

"

Balotelli's miserable start to life on Merseyside was then highlighted by former teammate Adel Taarabt, who sees past the hype, as per PA Sport (h/t Eurosport):

"

Balotelli? Everyone told me he was amazing and I played with him and I can say he is strong but he didn't seem to me as though he was world class. He is an ordinary player, not a phenomenon. He is someone who has a strong shot but he doesn't play for the team. And if he does, he doesn't score as is the case right now at Liverpool. He's had so many chances, from (Manchester) City to Milan, and he's thrown them away.

"

While the opinion of Ince and Taarabt may not be the biggest concern to Rodgers and Liverpool, the raw truth of their comments is.

The striker is simply yet to cut the mustard this season.

The Balotelli conversation may well be a distraction Rodgers wants to ignore, but with little forward options in his squad—compounded by Borini's red card against Arsenal and subsequent suspension—the former Manchester City man remains an secondary option, albeit one that doesn't quite fit the team's direction.

Liverpool have seen improved performances of late, reverting back to a more chaotic attack, and they are creating scoring chances with it.

For the visit to Burnley on Boxing Day, Rodgers will be hoping the team can continue to settle into the new shape, with Raheem Sterling at the forefront.

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Sterling's pace and trickery combined with the creative talents of Adam Lallana, Philippe Coutinho and those around him could really unsettle a slow Clarets back line.

The Reds play five fixtures in little over two weeks over the festive and New Year period—and all eyes will be on how Rodgers manages his team from burnout and achieves potentially season-saving results.

Questions over Steven Gerrard's ability to play every game will always be raised, while Liverpool may need reach out for contributions from squad players, including Balotelli.

Could the busy schedule provide a final lifeline for the Italian to change opinions of him, or is his inclusion detrimental to the intensity and pressing nature Rodgers is striving for?