Super Mario
It is not recommended to buy a player based only on his performances in an international tournament. After all, he was only impressive in 3 to 6 games and you can’t really judge a player based on that.
However, one can learn a lot on a player’s ability to deal with pressure in an international tournament. After all, the pressure in an such a tournament is more virulent because of sporting reasons (every game is crucial) and the powerful undercurrent national pressures associated with playing for your country.
According to the “Audience Theory” (please check out the link) players who can deal better with these kind of pressures are more technically sound.
So, שccording to the “Audience Theory” the Spaniards’ technical abilities are “The secret” that makes them so “mentally tough” on one hand and on the other hand, this theory might explain England’s infamous inability to win major tournaments.
But what does Robert Zajonc’s theory tell us about Mario Balotelli?
It tells us he is a football monster. He has pace and devastating power but also an ability to hold off defenders with his back to goal and bring deeper-lying team-mates into play. His excellence also brings up the question: Why do Manchester City want Robin Van Persie if they have Balotelli?
WHAT TO DO NOW?