Defensive midfielder signed amid controversy in 2007, Has since claimed a permanent place in the side - one of the manager's favourites
‘The Chief’ has established himself as one of Liverpool’s best midfielders since signing from West Ham in February 2007. Described by Benitez as “a monster of a player”, Mascherano is a powerful midfield enforcer.
He came through the youth system at River Plate before joining Corinthians in Brazil in 2005. A superb World Cup in 2006 brought him global attention, and in a surprise move he signed for West Ham.
Bizarrely failing to break into the Upton Park first team, he moved to Liverpool in February 2007. After some controversy concerning the legality of his contract, the £18.6m transfer was ratified.