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Steven Gerrard: 'Mario Balotelli needs more time'

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard says that it is "too early" to get on Mario Balotelli's back following recent criticism aimed in the striker's direction.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has jumped to the defence of Mario Balotelli, saying that the misfiring striker needs more time to make an impact at the club.

The 24-year-old, who joined the Reds from AC Milan in a deal worth £16m in the summer, has scored just two goals in 12 appearances since making the move.

Balotelli has failed to get off the mark completely in the Premier League, which led to former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher questioning the performances of the summer purchase.

In response, Gerrard is quoted by The Express as saying: "You have to respect Jamie's opinion. He knows football but it's too early to get on Mario's back. He just needs time to score the goals he needs to prove to people he is worthy of staying here.

"I am not going to judge him after 10 games. To come in after Suarez was always going to be a big ask and he's not feeling sorry for himself. He is working hard, doing extra shooting sessions.

"I've actually been impressed with the way he goes about his work. You hear all kinds of stories and rumours before you meet him, but he does all the work. I like the guy."

Liverpool are currently seventh in the Premier League table, with a trip to face Newcastle United next up.

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Steven Gerrard #8 of Liverpool infront of the home fans after scoring the opening goal from a free kick during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on September 27, 2014
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
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2Arsenal24148249222750
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest24145540271347
4Chelsea24127547311643
5Manchester CityMan City24125748351341
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle24125742291341
7Bournemouth24117641281340
8Aston Villa2410773437-337
9Fulham249963632436
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2481063538-334
11Brentford2494114242031
12Crystal Palace247982830-230
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd2485112834-629
14Tottenham HotspurSpurs24831348371127
15West Ham UnitedWest Ham2476112946-1727
16Everton236892328-526
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2454153452-1819
18Leicester CityLeicester2445152553-2817
19Ipswich TownIpswich2437142249-2716
20Southampton2423191854-369


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