The Argentine is a natural holding midfielder but adapted into a central defender under Pep Guardiola to cement regular playing time with Barcelona.
Europe was not kind on former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 allowed him to give a good account of his abilities as a midfielder destroyer. Barcelona came to Anfield looking for his signature,
and the pint-sized player did not think twice.
After initial problems while contending for a first team berth, the 28-year-old recently reached the 100-game mark at the Camp Nou. Interestingly, the man who became notorious for his midfield displays has made around 60 per cent of his outings for the Catalan
club in the heart of defence.
Plagued with defensive injuries, Pep Guardiola experimented by Mascherano in the position in late 2010. The ploy worked to magnanimous results, with the former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Corinthians-c38855 star voicing his preference for a central defensive role over his more natural holding
midfielder act.
While talking to TyC Esports, Mascherano stated that he wants to continue with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 in his adopted role, claiming that he feels more comfortable. He acknowledged that contending for a starting midfield position would be hard for a man of his talents,
and his skills are suited to his new http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Job-c18684.
Continuing on the subject, he explained that while La Blaugrana boasts off world class defenders, he finds it easier to express himself in the heart of defence.
“I want to continue playing at Barcelona as a centre-back,” he enthused.
“That is not to say that central defence has less calibre of players, quite the opposite. [Carles] Puyol and [http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gerard-c14664] Pique are the best centre-backs in the world.”
When quizzed about his role with Albiceleste, Mascherano stated that he has no qualms at playing in a specific role for the national team, stating that he will do as Coach Alejandro Sabella bids him.
“But according to my characteristics, it is more convenient for me to play at centre-back. For the national team, however, I have no problem for playing in midfield. [Coach Alejandro] Sabella is the one who determines that, and I respect that.”
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