Debutant Mario Balotelli impresses Steven Gerrard

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has described Mario Balotelli's debut performance for the club as "terrific".

The Italian, who joined the club last week from AC Milan for £16m, was given a starting role by manager Brendan Rodgers for Liverpool's 3-0 win away at Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon.

Although he did not find the net, Gerrard was impressed with what he saw from the 24-year-old before he was substituted in the second half.

"Everyone had eyes on him and credit to him I thought he was terrific for an hour. He could be the difference regarding whether we can compete or not," Gerrard told Sky Sports News.

Balotelli had previously scored on his first outings for Inter Milan, Manchester City, AC Milan and Italy's Under-21 side.