Former Liverpool defender and club legend Mark Lawrenson has described striker Mario Balotelli as a “waste of time”, after the Italian striker produced an insipid performance in Liverpool’s 0-0 draw with Blackburn Rovers on Sunday at Anfield in the FA Cup.

The former Inter Milan striker came on a substitute in the second half but has hardly made any significant impact – only one shot on target and zero chances created for others.

“Forget about Mario Balotelli. He is an absolute waste of time. He shouldn’t be anywhere near this team,” Lawrenson told BBC Sport.

“I can see why Brendan Rodgers threw him on today as he might just create something, but 99 times out of 100 he will let you down.”

Balotelli has failed to impress under Rodgers, no doubt, but Lawrenson is being harsh here. Why pick up Balotelli when so many others players didn’t quite step up against Rovers

The Stats do not reflect the whole picture. The creative playmakers like Coutinho and Sterling dropped too deep to build up the attack from midfield, as a result Liverpool strikers never really got enough services.

Having said that, Balotelli produced a brilliant pass for Sturridge which the English striker couldn’t keep it on target.

Do you think Lawro was right in his prediction Have your say below…