Mario Balotelli has scored just twice for Liverpool this season
Balotelli has scored just twice for the Reds all season, sparking reports he could be sold in this January transfer window.
The Italy striker last started a game for Liverpool in early November and played just 120 minutes of football since then.
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And centre-half Toure admits life has been tough for Liverpool's £16million summer arrival and offered his support to the player.
"He is a world-class player. But of course it has been a tough time for him," Toure told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet.
"I talk to him, everyone knows that he's a good player. Strikers need to score and when they do not score, then their self-confidence drops.
"But he is a world class player."
Toure himself is away on international duty with the Ivory Coast as they prepare for their Africa Cup of Nations campaign. They face Sweden in a friendly tomorrow.
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