"Liverpool" newcomer Mario Balotelli believes that his team captain Steven Gerrard is in no way inferior to Italian legend Andrea Pirlo. Pirlo, counting his last years of his career, has added three "Serie A" champion titles to his collection in recent seasons. Gerrard, on the other hand, unlike in his youth, is adapting to a new role in the midfield of "Liverpool," very similar to the one the Italian plays at "Juventus." Balotelli, who has played alongside both footballers, admits that he feels a respectful fear when seeing the Englishman on the field. "Gerrard is an amazing player," the 24-year-old teammate said to Sport. "Until this season, except for the period he spent in England, I often didn't see him play. However, I am amazed. I think he is of the same level as Pirlo." "He has good vision, technique, but also strength. Stevie can do anything. It will be difficult for the team to find another player like him in the future." Balotelli also talked about his own performances within the ranks of the new club and stated that he must find himself in the penalty area more often. The Italian also added that he would prefer to play in attack with another striker, although currently "Liverpool" plays with five midfielders.
