2 – Creative Freedom
When it comes to on-the-pitch displays, Mario is all about showboating and confidence. He plays with a swagger few can match, and prefers to win with style rather than efficiency. At Manchester City – he was ridiculed for this.
Every match seemed to end with Roberto Mancini listing everything the Italian done wrong in the game. Everything seemed to be his fault. He apparently didn’t stick to his position, wasn’t focusing on the game, and refused to follow the game plan. He was even substituted and shouted at during a pre-season friendly for attempting a back-heel shot.
Those kinds of restrictions are a quality player’s kryptonite – and Arsene Wenger avoids them like the plague.
At Arsenal, players are encouraged to play vibrant, attacking football. You are never shot down for trying something different; something unexpected while playing in an Arsenal shirt – and Balotelli is definitely the sort of player that tries the unexpected.
Just imagine what Mario could achieve if he was given free reign of the pitch? Our passing and possession-hungry style would give the 23-year-old a platform on which to shine. With the likes of Wilshere, Ramsey, Özil and Rosicky around him, the back-heels and flicks Mario usually attempts go from unwanted trickery to standard practice. This Arsenal team is built around stylish football, and Mario would add to it splendidly.