Benitez hails Mascherano

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is delighted to have Javier Mascherano in his team, as he believes that the mdfielder is an inspirational presence in the dressing-room.

Benitez feels that the Argentine is a born leader who can exert massive influence during games, driving on those around him.

"He is someone who has a very good character, he is very positive and can inspire those around him," Benitez told his club's official website.

"He is setting an example to the rest of the team. I am really pleased with the way all of them are playing at the minute but Javier Mascherano is a player who is doing really well for us.

"Look at the [Merseyside] derby. He played in a different position (right-back) but he still managed to have a massive impact and everyone can see there is a big difference in what he is doing now.

 "At the beginning of the season it was very difficult for him. But now things have settled down and he is working very hard for the team.

"He is back to the Javier Mascherano that we signed. His commitment to the club is 100 per cent."

The Reds' gaffer is also hopeful that his side will be boosted soon by the return from injury of winger Albert Riera, who is looking good in training after shaking off a hamstring injury he sustained in December.

"Albert is an option on the left. It is important for us to have competition for each place," he added.

"He will improve. He needed to train some weeks in a row but he has come on again in the last month and you can see that in his training."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.