Balotelli showing his best

Since Sunday’s incredible victory all the talk, and praise, has been reserved for Kevin Prince Boaten. And, deservingly so. The midfielder’s hat-trick in such trying circumstances will not be forgotten quickly and has seen him hit the headlines the world over.

But, as ever, another player has been in the spotlight too; Mario Balotelli.

If I was writing this post during the course of last season, I would probably be leading to the latest unsavoury incident involving the Italian.
But things are different this season with Balotelli, and for the better.

Mario also made headlines over the weekend after his stellar two-goal performance in the Manchester derby started his side on their way to a momentous victory.

Mario’s two strikes make it six in his last five matches played for him. Finally, he is starting to realise his incredible talent which coach Roberto Mancini believes is on par with no less a player than Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.

Like any fan, Adriano Galliani could not hide his love for the Italian striker after his display at Old Trafford.

“Balotelli is my passion, he’s a great player,” Galliani told Sky Italia.

“Take him to Milan? Who knows, for now it remains a passion.”

Asked about whether Mario would suit playing alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Galliani said he was convinced they will make a great striking pair.

“Ibrahimovic? He’s fine and will remain until the end of his contract. Ibra and Balotelli will compensate each other, they would be good together.”

I have to say, despite all his antics and plainly idiotic behaviour at times – Mario set his house on fire on Saturday after setting off fireworks in his bathroom and is now living in a hotel – Balotelli is a true entertainer in all senses of the word.

His extraordinary talent has long been known and this season he seems to finally showing it as his red hot form suggests.

For this reason, I admit, I am coming around to liking him after having reservations when he was coming up through the ranks at Inter merda.

Milan have constantly been linked with Balotelli practically ever since he set foot at Eastlands. So much so that it has seemed at times that it is a matter of when rather than if he will come to play for the Rossoneri one day.

On current form, I hope it is sooner rather than later. He may bring a lot of baggage with him, but, if he keeps going like he is, that is, if he keeps on playing like he did on Sunday then by the time he does return to Italy he may just be one of the best players in the world, up there with the likes of Messi and Ronaldo. Just maybe.