Steve Bruce believes Mario Balotelli was Liverpool’s best player in Saturday against his Hull City.
The Italian striker has been under heavy pressure in recent weeks and was the talk of Merseyside following his subdued performance and actions during Liverpool’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on Wednesday night.
However, Hull City boss Steve Bruce has remained on the former Milan striker’s side, giving him praise before their Premier League game on Saturday and after in his post-match press conference.
“I thought he [Balotelli] was their best player. Anything that came off for them today came through him,” he told reporters.
“There’s a lot written about him and there’s a lot of debate about him. He’s not everybody’s cup of tea but he’s a bit of a maverick. When you sign a maverick, you have to treat them like one and get the best out of them.
“I saw him two months ago against Tottenham and he was terrific against them. He’s going through one of those sticky periods but the kid’s a talent and a very, very good talent.
“He’s the whipping boy. I can only go by highlights but I think he did OK the other night [against Real Madrid] and for me he was Liverpool’s most effective player today.”