I wouldn't have Balotelli anywhere near the side, he just doesn't 'fit' how we play.
Sterling would be my choice as a partner for Daniel until we get Origi. I'd prefer us to go back to using our pace. But the key last year was not players with pace, it was the pace at which we shifted the ball that was key. I've yet to see a player that can run as quick as a pass.
We need someone that keeps defenders 'honest'. Mario doesn't, he can be shut out of games to easily, what outstanding attribute does he have ? Sterling has pace, Lallana has the unerring ability to play equally as well with both feet. Either one of those I'd try out as a partner for Daniel.
We spent a shed load of money in the summer fattening the squad with players we were assured were for the main part 'ready'. We should be able to put a front six out that can in some part replicate last season's attacking verve, Suarez or not.
You make fair points. I think Origi will give us more power up. From what I've seen he is strong and can drive at defenders with success on and off the ball. I'm not ready to give up on Balotelli yet. He has pace, power, and can dribble well at speed. Right now he is having a tough time learning to play the cf position utilizing his power and skill without constantly tussling with the defenders. It's a bad habit for the PL, and slows down our play to no end, but I know he can drive at defenders effectively for our system. I've seen him do it a few times every game he has played for us. He hasn't transitioned into playing that way all the time, and the jury is out if he will ever make the transition, but he has it in his locker. That's enough for me right now. Like all the other new signings I'll give him the rest of the season before I make further judgement.
I guess I would argue that our ability to transition quickly was largely built upon Suarez's power on and off the ball, by which I mean, the opposition could not stop him from running into their box without hacking him down. He could push defenders off of him with relative ease with and without the ball, or turn them with a bump and touch, or pass and finish at full speed with defenders hanging off of him. We don't have anyone who can give us that kind of consistent, high-level physical drive right now, but Can and Henderson in midfield can give us some of that. Sterling, Lallana and Allen slow down 90% of the time once they come near the edge of the box. Balotelli goes wide or stops even further upfield. Sturridge goes wide to avoid being hacked down when possible and slip into a pocket of space (as I would hope!). Coutinho drives but is frequently pushed off of the ball or gives it away under physical duress.
If Balotelli doesn't give us power then it has to come from midfield this season. I think we've been too easily bullied near the opposition box. Teams are just sitting off us because we can't drive through them except on occasion, and most of those occasions have involved Henderson!
