Liverpool FC Forum

[Zidane]

This could be a good thing for us, IF everyone else does not pick up injuries.  If they do we might be in trouble.

[Reg]

Time for Masher to move on, he's not the future of LFC.
He's 100% predictable has major limitations and I also question his intelligence.

[Madmax]

I think he will feck off to barca...

[shawnk]

He's still one of the best player for me this season and worthy of wearing a Liverpool shirt with his commitment. I'm surprised he got a straight red yesterday. When he committed the foul, his foot was firmly on the ground and I didn't think it was malicious as well.

[kazza]

Shocking decision to give him a red, the ref was egged on by their players and the 4th official. It was a foul but he seemed 100% committed to me, never a red.

[Owzat]

Time for Masher to move on, he's not the future of LFC.
He's 100% predictable has major limitations and I also question his intelligence.

I was wondering the other day if our players aren't directed to give away lots of fouls and silly free kicks, seems to be what they do more than anything else.

Would any of the Spanish giants want him in January as he'll be (CL) cup tied.......................?

[Johnny Boy]

Mascherano was MOTM by a mile against Wigan, I know he has limitations and is very reckless at times. But he always gives 100%, can we say that about the others after yesterdays debacle?

It's the midfield balance that's the problem Masch & Lucas as a pair just aren't right, and that again is the manager's fault.

Not sure he would get in Barca's team anyway so am dubious if he will leave, if he does it could be for personal reasons rather than football one's.

[Owzat]

Mascherano was MOTM by a mile against Wigan, I know he has limitations and is very reckless at times. But he always gives 100%, can we say that about the others after yesterdays debacle?

It's the midfield balance that's the problem Masch & Lucas as a pair just aren't right, and that again is the manager's fault.

Not sure he would get in Barca's team anyway so am dubious if he will leave, if he does it could be for personal reasons rather than football one's.

We need creativity, a side containing Dossena, Mascherano, Kuyt and Lucas in the six players ahead of the defence is not going to provide that. In a side with creative players aplenty around him, I'm sure Mascherano would be ideal. In a team lacking creativity then he's an extravagance, especially giving away so many free kicks when our defence is so poor defending them. And that's not a surprise in itself, how many of the defenders and non-defenders are good in the air anyway? Johnson? Dossena? Benayoun? Lucas? Mascherano? Insua? Aurelio?

Lucas and Mascherano might work in midfield if we had Ronaldo on one flank and Robben on the other with Messi in behind Torres.

[roberto green]

In the meantime we have to play Gerrard or Aquilani in the midfield. Perhaps, finally, Aquilani will start a few games on the bounce?

Nah I doubt it, he will proball y play Aurellio or something in centre midfield before Aqualani

[tubby]

Oh well at least he is banned anyway so it shouldn't be too bad. So I guess Spearing will step in for a few games until Aquilani starts.

[xxTorresxx]

Benitez: Star setting example
15th Feb 2010

Rafael Benitez believes the sparkling form of Javier Mascherano is setting the perfect example to his teammates in Liverpool's push for a top four finish.

The Argentina captain has been at his domineering best since returning from a knee injury last month, and even turned in a sterling display as a makeshift right-back against Everton recently.

And Benitez reckons Mascherano's enthusiasm can inspire the dressing room as the Reds prepare for key fixtures with Unirea Urziceni and Manchester City this week.

"Javier is showing on the pitch why he is the captain of Argentina," said the boss. "He is someone who has a very good character, he is very positive and can inspire those around him.

"He is setting an example to the rest of the team. I am really pleased with the way all of them are playing at the minute but Javier Mascherano is a player who is doing really well for us.

"Look at the derby. He played in a different position (right-back) but he still managed to have a massive impact and everyone can see there is a big difference in what he is doing now."

He added: "At the beginning of the season it was very difficult for him. But now things have settled down and he is working very hard for the team.

"He is back to the Javier Mascherano that we signed. His commitment to the club is 100 per cent."

Meanwhile, Benitez believes Albert Riera is close to recapturing top form after impressing in training.

"Albert is an option on the left," said the manager. "It is important for us to have competition for each place.

"He will improve. He needed to train some weeks in a row but he has come on again in the last month and you can see that in his training."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news....example

[tubby]

Hopefully he will get an improved contract in the summer so we can put any Barca rumors to rest.

[made in UK]

Benitez: Star setting example
15th Feb 2010

Rafael Benitez believes the sparkling form of Javier Mascherano is setting the perfect example to his teammates in Liverpool's push for a top four finish.

The Argentina captain has been at his domineering best since returning from a knee injury last month, and even turned in a sterling display as a makeshift right-back against Everton recently.

And Benitez reckons Mascherano's enthusiasm can inspire the dressing room as the Reds prepare for key fixtures with Unirea Urziceni and Manchester City this week.

"Javier is showing on the pitch why he is the captain of Argentina," said the boss. "He is someone who has a very good character, he is very positive and can inspire those around him.

"He is setting an example to the rest of the team. I am really pleased with the way all of them are playing at the minute but Javier Mascherano is a player who is doing really well for us.

"Look at the derby. He played in a different position (right-back) but he still managed to have a massive impact and everyone can see there is a big difference in what he is doing now."

He added: "At the beginning of the season it was very difficult for him. But now things have settled down and he is working very hard for the team.

"He is back to the Javier Mascherano that we signed. His commitment to the club is 100 per cent."

Meanwhile, Benitez believes Albert Riera is close to recapturing top form after impressing in training.

"Albert is an option on the left," said the manager. "It is important for us to have competition for each place.

"He will improve. He needed to train some weeks in a row but he has come on again in the last month and you can see that in his training."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news....example

Cannot believe some of the tripe on here that people wouldn't mind selling Masha on.

[NANNY RED]

What treacle said

[Ben Patrick]

And me as well. Agree with Bam.

Javier is one of the genuine world class players we have, he plays with fire in his belly and gets other team mates going.
Love the lad and one things for sure i'd rather have him alongside me as a team mate if i was a player than on an opposing team.