As we edge closer to transfer deadline day, Javier Mascherano still remains a Liverpool player even though he wants to leave. Mascherano ignored Roy Hodgson’s calls to him during the summer break and when Mascherano returned to pre-season training he told Roy that he wants to leave the club this summer. Roy had no problems with that but told Masch that he can only leave if an offer suitable enough comes in for him. Up until today, no offer has been tabled yet for Masch.
It was initially thought that Rafa would take Masch to Inter but the former gafa has not made a bid yet for Masch and time is ticking. Now Barcelona are said to also be interested in Masch but they to have not made a bid. Masch must be wondering what is going on! Why do Inter and Barca not want to bid for him? Are they being put off by the £25 million valuation Liverpool have put on him? I believe we should not get a penny less than £25 million for Javier as he is the best player in the world in his position. And I am glad Roy is sticking to his guns and not letting Masch go for a knock down fee just because he wants to leave. This morning Roy made it clear that Masch has two years left on his contract and he would have to honour them if no offer comes in for him. Knowing Masch the way I do, if he stays with us this season, he will give his all. Just look at the way he played against Arsenal on the weekend, he was one of our best players on the park.
Last season Masch had a slow start to the season as he was distracted with the possibility of him joining Barcelona. But now we only have until 31 August to put Masch’s mind at ease. If he does not leave he will be a Liverpool player until January at least and he will give us his all.
I for one would not want to see Mascherano leave us just as long as he is 110% focussed and committed to helping the club. To his credit, Masch never said he hates Liverpooll Football Club he just hates the city and England in general. His wife does not want to settle in England and would rather be in Spain or Italy. You can see how this affects Masch, he is a young man with a young family and he wants the best for his family.
Looking at the situation on the field: If Masch does stay, there is no doubt he will be one of the first names on Roy’s teamsheet every weekend. He would most likely play with Gerrard in the middle of the park. This could be one of the best tag-team midfield combinations in the game today if they remain fit and on form. We signed Poulsen as a backup for Mascherano in the event that he left Liverpool so if Masch is tired or injured, we have Poulsen to fill in. Then where does that leave Lucas? Will Lucas be above Poulsen in the pecking order? Some of my fellow Red fans have suggested that Lucas be picked ahead of Poulsen. Until I see Poulsen play in the Red shirt I will not comment just yet. But all it goes to show is that we have quality backup in central midfield if Mascherano stays.
If he does go, then it would be a case of Lucas and Gerrard in midfield which could do the trick but I would much rather have Masch in there.
What are your thoughts on the current Mascherano situation?
i would love it if Masher stayed. In my opinion he is only second to the machine called Essian in the midfield defensive position. He provides so much cover in the middle of the park in order to let Gerrard and others such as Cole support the forward line. I feel Lucas and Poulsen are not to the same standard therefore the team overall is weaker without him.