Opponent simply slice our midfield just like that nowadays...
If we have a proper defensive midfielder which also can act as an architect ala-Pirlo, wowh!!
That would be awesome. Hope Lallana will step up one day. Haha. And Im also a fan of Lucas.
I hope even during he is playing as a DM, he also can pull the string from behind 50% like Gerrard where keep the ball ticking and keeping the possession...

Balotelli cant play as a lone striker role... I believe if he plays with Sturridge, one of them can act (like Suarez?) opening up space / drag the defenders out of the line to make the chance for the other striker...

For sure Balotelli cant do anything if he plays as a lone striker surrounded by 3-4 other defenders... Even Messi would struggle that. But yea only one complain for me to Balotelli: EFFORT / BODY LANGUAGES...