Rodgers expects Balotelli to rise to the challenge

Champions League Group B

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes Mario Balotelli will relish the responsibility of being the side’s senior striker. The Italy international, a £16 million (€20m) signing last month, is now the main man up front in the absence of Daniel Sturridge, who is likely to be out for at least another fortnight with a thigh strain.

As Liverpool make their return to the Champions League after a five-year absence, the 24-year-old finds himself the side’s third most experienced player in Europe’s elite club competition.