The Argentinean midfielder has signed a new contract for the Catalan giants, and it will bind him with his current club until the year 2016.
Barcelona signed Mascherano while Josep Guardiola was in charge of the club. While many thought that the Argentine will not fit into the Barcelona first-team, Josep Guardiola had other plans for him, as he decided to play him as a centre-back and not a holding
midfielder.
When Mascherano joined Barcelona from http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Sergio-Busquets-c33048 and Seydou Keita playing in that role. Many thought that the money spent by the Spanish giants is useless.
However, Josep Guardiola had other plans for the Argentinean player. The Catalan coach played Mascherano in centre-back role, replacing the injured Carles Puyol back then.
The year when Mascherano joined Barcelona, Carles Puyol was out of action because of his knee problems; therefore, the former Argentinean captain was given the chance to showcase his talent in the new-found position.
While Eric Abidal and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gerard-c14664 Pique, forming a solid defensive partnership.
The Argentinean star was so impressive throughout the year that even though http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Carles-Puyol-c8331 was fit to play in the final of the Champions League against Manchester United, Guardiola still decided to play him instead of his club captain.
Barcelona won the match 3-1 and Mascherano won his first European trophy with the Catalan side.
After so many impressive performances and with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Javier-Mascherano-c18071 is definitely needed by the Catalan club and that is why he has finally signed a new contract for the club.
The Argentinean star will now be a part of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 for at least the next four seasons as his new contract expires in the year 2016.
While speaking about Javier Mascherano, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lionel-Messi-c22296 was quoted as saying:
"Mascherano has become a key player for us.”
"Since Guardiola played him in central defence I don't think he has had a bad game."
Barcelona will start their new campaign next month as they take on Real Sociedad as their first opponents in La Liga
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