Cole Palmer Picks Ex-Liverpool and Man City Star Mario Balotelli to Take Life-Saving Penalty
In a recent candid interview, Chelsea’s rising star Cole Palmer made a bold and surprising choice when asked which footballer he would trust to take a life-saving penalty. The player Palmer picked wasn’t a current footballing great like Lionel Messi or Erling Haaland, but rather the unpredictable and controversial former Liverpool and Manchester City forward, Mario Balotelli.
Given Balotelli’s rollercoaster of a career, it’s safe to say many fans were caught off guard by Palmer’s answer. “If my life depended on it, I’d pick Mario Balotelli to take the penalty,” the Chelsea winger revealed during his appearance on BBC Match of the Day. It’s an unexpected vote of confidence, especially considering the Italian’s mixed reputation during his time at Anfield and the Etihad.
Balotelli’s career has been nothing short of eventful, marked by moments of brilliance on the pitch and erratic behaviour off it. While at Manchester City, the striker showed flashes of genius, including memorable goals and audacious penalty kicks. However, his tenure at Liverpool was far less impressive, with reports suggesting that then-manager Jurgen Klopp encouraged the Italian to leave the club in search of opportunities to rebuild his form.
In fact, Klopp made it clear that Balotelli wasn’t part of his plans at Liverpool. The German coach reportedly advised the striker to seek a loan move in 2015, a decision that ultimately led to Balotelli’s exit in the summer of 2016. He signed for Nice on a free transfer, marking the end of his time in the Premier League.
Though Balotelli may not be remembered as a model professional, his ability to perform under pressure is undeniable. His calm, almost nonchalant approach to penalties, particularly his iconic stutter-step technique, made him one of the most reliable spot-kick takers in football. It’s this lethal precision from the penalty spot that likely influenced Palmer’s unexpected decision.
Regardless of Balotelli’s turbulent career, Palmer’s choice speaks volumes about the Italian’s unique talent under pressure—a skill that still resonates with players in today’s game.
Cole Palmer Picks Ex-Liverpool and Man City Star Mario Balotelli to Take Life-Saving Penalty
