Former Liverpool midfielder Ryan Babel says that he still believes that striker Mario Balotelli will eventually come good at the Merseyside club.

The Italian international was signed for £ 16 million and he eventually became the replacement for Luis Suarez, who departed to Barcelona in a £ 75 million deal. Suarez was a major factor in Liverpool almost winning the Premier League last season after he scored 31 goals. Hence, there was a lot of pressure on Balotelli to match the achievements of the Uruguayan and it is something that he has failed to deliver so far.

Former Liverpool midfielder Ryan Babel says that he still believes that striker Mario Balotelli will eventually come good at the Merseyside club.

The Italian international was signed for £ 16 million and he eventually became the replacement for Luis Suarez, who departed to Barcelona in a £ 75 million deal. Suarez was a major factor in Liverpool almost winning the Premier League last season after he scored 31 goals. Hence, there was a lot of pressure on Balotelli to match the achievements of the Uruguayan and it is something that he has failed to deliver so far.

The 24-year-old is yet to find the back of the net in the league and his two Liverpool goals have come in the Champions League and League Cup against mediocre opposition. Babel endured a difficult spell during his Liverpool days and the former Dutch winger has recalled those times. He says that the Liverpool also have to take blame for the poor performances of Balotelli. He says that the club should have ensured that the striker settled well and it does not seem to be the case. The forward is currently nursing an injury and is not expected to be back at least for the next couple of matches.

His lack of form could result in a permanent place on the bench when Daniel Sturridge returns.“People think every player should be treated the same, but sometimes you have exceptional players who need a different approach to get the best out of them, and that is Mario.I don’t know him personally, but judging from the outside he should have different support. We know he has potential and is a good player. He has shown that before at other teams.If I look at myself, people said in the past I didn’t show it [my best form] every week,” said Babel.