• Premier League

Balotelli must find consistency - Mancini

ESPN staff
December 23, 2010
Mario Balotelli has only shown glimpses of his potential since moving to Eastlands © PA Photos
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Roberto Mancini has lauded Mario Balotelli's ability but the Manchester City manager insists the talented striker must show consistency if he is to become one of the best players in the world.

Since his £24million arrival at Eastlands from Inter Milan in the summer, Balotelli has only shown glimpses of his potential but that hasn't stopped the 20-year-old claiming that only Lionel Messi is a superior player.

The self-assured forward has been named Europe's finest young player by Tuttosport, finishing above Arsenal's Jack Wilshere, but, while Mancini admits the Italy international has all the attributes to excel, he is warning Balotelli that words count for nothing.

"It is good when a player has confidence in himself," he said. "Mario Balotelli has everything you need to be one of the best players in the world. But he is young and he must improve. Only if you play well in every game and score in every game can you say these things. It depends on him.

"The Premier League is so different from the Italian league. Mario must understand. If he thinks what he says he must show it in every game."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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