Mario Balotelli is a £16m bargain transfer as new Liverpool striker lights up training
- Italy star could make his Liverpool debut against Tottenham this weekend
- Mario Balotelli is Premier League's best value-for-money signing
- Brendan Rodgers signed him for £14m less than his market value
- Liverpool will be hoping to get back to winning ways at White Hart Lane
Mario Balotelli was typically good value during Liverpool's training session on Friday - and Sportsmail can reveal that the Italy striker is the Premier League's best value-for-money summer signing.
The 24-year-old, who looks to make his debut against Tottenham on Sunday, was bought by Liverpool for £16million and boffins reckon Brendan Rodgers got him on the cheap.
Analysts at Swiss-based CIES Football Observatory have placed ‘market values’ on top players from around Europe and they calculate that Balotelli was worth £30m, £14m more than Liverpool paid for him.
VIDEO Scroll down to watch some of Mario Balotelli's maddest moments
Up and down: Balotelli ducks as Dejan Lovren rises for a header on the other side of the net in training
Feeling the love: Mario Balotelli receives a hug from Liverpool team-mate Lucas Leiva
Close bond: Balotelli seems to have formed a close-knit relationship with Brazilian midfielder Lucas
Floored genius: Balotelli, on the deck, Raheem Sterling, Fabio Borini and Co share a laugh at training
Competition: The Italian places his hand on his fellow countryman Fabio Borini's back
Training drill: Liverpool duo Balotelli and Mamadou Sakho play head tennis at Melwood
All smiles: Balotelli looked happy during Liverpool's training session ahead of their showdown with Spurs
Running man: Balotelli is put through his paces during a session at Liverpool's training ground
Strike partners: Balotelli could line up alongside Daniel Sturridge at White Hart Lane
This is based on a wide range of ‘objective’ factors from age and contract expiry date to position, performance data and international experience.
Sportsmail columnist Jamie Redknapp went further, saying Liverpool had a £45m player for £16m.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers called the deal ‘outstanding value’, despite admitting that it was a risk signing the 24-year-old striker.
However, he took a punt due to Balotelli's age and match-winning ability.
The striker looked to be getting along with his new team-mates, being hugged by new team-mate Lucas Leiva during the training session and was pictured on the ground having a laugh with more of his new team-mates.
It was a more impressive display at Melwood for Balotelli than on Wednesday, when he struggled to put on a bib.
Balotelli watched from the stands as Liverpool lost 3-1 to his former club Manchester City at the Etihad and will be raring to go at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
Having a laugh: Balotelli creases up during a relaxed session at Melwood
Concentration: Liverpool's Balotelli keeps his eyes on the ball during Friday's training session
Hat-trick: Balotelli put a picture up on Instagram of himself with Liverpool in the background
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