BOSS: MASCHERANO WILL BE BIG PLAYER FOR US

Paul Eaton 25 March 2007 Rafael Benitez today praised midfielder Javier Mascherano for an impressive start to his Anfield career - and tipped him to play a big part in the Reds' future.

The Argentinian international was one of the club's better performers during last weekend's draw at Villa Park and Benitez believes he will keep getting better as he continues his adaptation to English football. "If you analyse his two performances so far he has played very well," said the Liverpool manager. "He is good at both keeping possession, tackling and fighting to get the ball back. We're sure he's going to be a really good player for us. "He is someone who not only passes well, but he always arrives to the play to support team-mates and give a good option to their passing. "We don't have a lot of these type of player. Only Xabi can play in this holding role. Momo and Gerrard like to go forward a lot more, so it's important for the balance to have someone like Mascherano."