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Michael Essien backs Mario Balotelli for Liverpool success

AC Milan's Michael Essien tips former teammate Mario Balotelli for success at Liverpool.

AC Milan midfielder Michael Essien has backed Mario Balotelli to be a success at Liverpool.

The Italy international moved to Anfield for around £16m in August, but has endured a slow start to life with the Reds.

Balotelli has scored just one goal, but former Chelsea star Essien thinks that his ex-Milan teammate will eventually prove his quality for Brendan Rodgers's side.

He told reporters: "Mario is a good person. We are great friends, we already knew each other before we met at Milan.

"Then he left Milan but I'm sure he will have a great future. He still has to work hard to improve, but he has all the qualities to be a top player."

Liverpool travel to Queens Park Rangers this Sunday.

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Liverpool's Italian striker Mario Balotelli plays during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at White Hart Lane in London on August 31, 2014
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