Thursday 16 October 2014 16:01, UK
Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli insists he is working hard to become more of a threat in the penalty area but would prefer a partner to play off up front.
The 24-year-old Italy international may get his wish for greater support, with Daniel Sturridge set to return from a thigh injury against QPR at Loftus Road on Sunday after missing the last seven matches.
In his absence Balotelli has toiled alone up front with just one goal - against Ludogorets in the Champions League - to show for his efforts since a £16million summer move from AC Milan.
Balotelli is now focusing on breaking his Premier League duck for Brendan Rodgers’ side and knows he can only do that by getting into the right areas.
"I can see already that the Liverpool fans really like me, although I know that maybe they are a little upset because I don't score," he said.
"I see they appreciate that I am working hard, though, which is nice for me. I know I have one goal in the Champions League but in the Premier League I have to start with one.
I swear right now my first league goal is my first and only objective.
"After that I might set myself a target but I swear right now my first league goal is my first and only objective. I need to get in the box more. I don't do it enough but it is something I am working to try to do more.
"I have never been a real, out-and-out striker - I have always been someone who goes around the pitch.
"If it was my choice, I would always go with two strikers. It's the way I like to play, but Brendan asked me to play as the first striker.
"I understand that when the ball comes from wide on the left or right I need to be in the box otherwise there might be no-one there at all."
Meanwhile, Balotelli has compared Reds captain Steven Gerrard with his veteran Italy team-mate Andrea Pirlo.
"Gerrard is an amazing player. I had really not seen much of him before this season, apart from for England, but wow!" Balotelli said.
"I think of him as being at the same level as Pirlo. Vision, technique, but he is powerful as well. Stevie can do anything.
"It's going to be very difficult for the team to find another player like him in the future."
Watch QPR v Liverpool live on Sky Sports 1 at 1.30pm on Sunday.
