One of the few areas that tarnish an otherwise highly successful 2013-14 season is the defence.
Mascherano has no doubt improved since his departure from Liverpool to Barcelona in 2010. He has been able to play at the highest levels in Europe alongside some of the best talent the game has to offer.
Another factor is that Mascherano has been able to cope under the immense pressure that comes with being a Barcelona player. Liverpool fans are no strangers to his steely grit and no-nonsense approach.
Most important is what Mascherano – or a player like him – will bring to the current Liverpool setup. Here is a player who is able to perform any central defensive duty – from a destroyer in central midfield, to a holding midfielder who sits in front of the defence, to a central defender – his current position for Barcelona.
Mascherano’s approach to the game is highly suited to our philosophy. Mascherano’s agility and pace means he is comfortable playing a high defensive line. He can function as both a proactive defender who snuffs out danger, and someone who covers.
At the time of writing, he has made 26 starts for Barcelona and a single appearance off the bench. In his games, Mascherano has notched up 78 interceptions and 77 tackles. This outshines our centre-halves, Martin Skrtel, in 36 starts has made 60 interceptions and 49 tackles. Mamadou Sakho and Daniel Agger have made 33 starts between them and have made 48 interceptions and 54 tackles.
Mascherano is also very comfortable with the ball at his feet and demonstrates an excellent passing range. He averages an impressive 54 passes per game, and has made 220 long passes. Of course, unlike Barcelona we don’t pass the ball around our defensive third as readily, but having a player who can play the ball out of danger is crucial. His long passes can also come into great use in initiating our deadly counters.
Moving forward, it is imperative that we improve our defence. Mascherano – or someone like him – fits the profile of what is needed to fit our mould.
Our remit to throw as many players forward as possible leaves us dangerously thin at the back. As a result, we would benefit from proactive defenders who position themselves intelligently and have the nous and experience to mark opposition attackers and the composure to handle our high risk defensive style.
Mascherano is a proven talent who has experience at the top level. His character and ability make him a very attractive prospect and, if the speculation is to believed, he should be an important target.
Regardless, a player that has a similar approach to the game as Mascherano is one that we should look into. Doing so would be a leap in the right direction, as Liverpool build on a fantastic 2013-14 season.
Which defender would you like to see us try and sign?
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