Team first for Masch

Last updated : 05 March 2009 By Al Campbell
The midfielder was forced to play as an emergency right-back against Sunderland following inuries to Alvaro Arbeloa, Stephen Darby and Philipp Degen. He was a suprise choice by Rafael Benitez but Mascherano will play anywhere if it helps the team.

"The boss told me that he needed someone to play in that position so I tried to do my best," he said.

"I don't know if I was good or not but I tried to give the team as much as possible.

"Everyone knows that I am a central midfielder but sometimes I have played on the right hand side for the national team but never before at right back.

"It was a new experience but I hope that I helped the team because that is the most important thing.

"I always try to think about the team and if the team needs me to play in that position I will try to do my best.

"I know that I am at my best in the centre of midfield but you never know what can happen and if we have some players with injuries - like we did tonight with Arbeloa and Degen - then I do not have a problem with filling in for them."