Rafa Benitez has backed Javier Mascherano to make a huge impact for Liverpool.
The Argentine has endured a turbulent time since moving to England last summer, as his transfer to West Ham turned sour and led to an offer from Liverpool.
It was only after Fifa intervened that Liverpool were allowed to sign Mascherano and the midfielder has since made a solid start to his Anfield career.
Benitez feels Mascherano can only improve and is tipping him to push Xabi Alonso hard for the holding-midfield role.
"If you analyse his two performances so far he has played very well," Benitez said on Liverpool's official website. "He is good at both keeping possession, tackling and fighting to get the ball back. We're sure he's going to be a really good player for us.
"He is someone who not only passes well, but he always arrives to support team-mates and give a good option to their passing.
"We don't have a lot of these type of player. Only Xabi can play in this holding role. Momo and Gerrard like to go forward a lot more, so it's important for the balance to have someone like Mascherano."
iceFatboy
wow, now liverpool can play 1-9-1, with the midfielders they have.
perhaps they can loan to MUFC..
iceFatboy
Originally posted by iceFatboy:
wow, now liverpool can play 1-8-1, with the midfielders they have.