England defender Gary Cahill says Mario Balotelli’s unpredictability will make him a major threat when the Three Lions face Italy.
The two nations lock horns in next Saturday’s World Cup Group D encounter, both teams’ opening match of the tournament in Brazil.
Speaking to Daily Mirror, the Chelsea man stressed his belief that the Milan forward has the potential to be a world class player.
However, he also admitted to not knowing what to expect from the 23-year-old in Manaus.
England defender Gary Cahill says Mario Balotelli’s unpredictability will make him a major threat when the Three Lions face Italy.
The two nations lock horns in next Saturday’s World Cup Group D encounter, both teams’ opening match of the tournament in Brazil.
Speaking to Daily Mirror, the Chelsea man stressed his belief that the Milan forward has the potential to be a world class player.
However, he also admitted to not knowing what to expect from the 23-year-old in Manaus.
“The unpredictability of Balotelli is a danger because you never know when he will turn it on, or whether he will turn it on,” Cahill said.
“He has the potential to put the ball in the top corner from 25 yards out. He is very unpredictable but on his day he is undoubtedly one of the best.
“I’ve played against him a few times when he was at Manchester City and I have to admit it was tough.
“Then I played against him another time and after 60 or 70 minutes he was substituted without having ever seen the ball.
“I repeat, he’s unpredictable. He could be a world class player but he is still a forward you should always keep your eye on.”