Liverpool legend Ray Houghton has revealed that Mario Balotelli's poor performances are down to the Italian 'failing to adapt to the team's needs'.

Since joining Liverpool from AC Milan earlier this summer, Balotelli has scored twice in 14 appearances and Houghton does not believe that the situation will change anytime soon, unless the 24-year-old becomes a team player.

"He is not a 'team player' and has failed to adapt," Houghton told Goal.com.

"He needs to come short more often and get involved in the build-up, but he isn't doing that. This is not a big surprise, he was the same at Manchester City and both Milan clubs.

"The frustrating thing is that it can work. The best performance of the season was the 3-0 win at Tottenham on Balotelli's debut in August. He linked up well with Sturridge, with Sterling playing at the head of a diamond."

Balotelli is still waiting to score his first Premier League goal for Liverpool this season.