Arsenal man proving the far greater buy over Liverpool flop

When Danny Welbeck and Mario Balotelli signed for Arsenal and Liverpool respectively over the summer, both for £16m, many thought the money spent on the Italian would prove the better business over the former Man Utd man’s unproven scoring record.

But, after contrasting nights for the pair in the Champions League, it’s the former English winger that is looking the far better acquisition.

As Welbeck put on a finishing clinic to bag a hat-trick against Galatasaray, Balotelli failed to register a single touch of the ball in Basel’s penalty area, which is quite important for a striker.

In fact, the former AC Milan forward’s start to life on Merseyside has been so dire, that Ladbrokes have priced up the possibility of him being dropped for Liverpool’s next outing at 5/2, while his odds to leave the club as soon as January have been cut from 10/1 to 8s.

Just how much Brendan Rodgers regrets signing the 24-year-old is unclear, but a comparative look at his and Welbeck’s seasons so far leaves little doubt as to who he should have captured:

Not only has the 23-year-old scored more goals from less shots and in fewer minutes, but his famed work ethic is proving a greater hit too.

Despite being applauded by Rodgers for his industry so far, Balotelli has won just two headers compared to Welbeck’s 15 and has made one successful interception as opposed to the lad from Longsight’s five.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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