Mark Lawrenson SLAMS 'waste of time' striker Mario Balotelli

MARK LAWRENSON has hit out at Liverpool's poor form in front of goal, calling Mario Balotelli a 'waste of time'.

Mario Balotelli Player Profile

The former Liverpool defender says Brendan Rodgers' approach with the striker has not helped the team and has been at the expense of other attackers.

He told the Liverpool Echo: "We have scored barely half the amount of Premier League goals as last season, although that's easily explained by considering how many games Sturridge has played this season and the loss of Luis Suarez

"As for the other strikers, Mario Balotelli has been a total waste of time in terms of attempting to cajole and encourage him to perform, while Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert barely feature."

Lawrenson BalotelliGETTY

Mark Lawrenson says Mario Balotelli's inclusion has been at the expense of Rickie Lambert

As for the other strikers, Mario Balotelli has been a total waste of time

Mark Lawrenson

And Lawro admits this frailty in front of goal could cost Liverpool in the transfer window, especially without the appeal of Champions League football.

"Not finishing in the top four is hardly the end of the world," he said.

"But it certainly makes it a little more difficult in terms of identifying which players can be signed in the summer that will make us better and will be happy to be without Champions League football."

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