Rafa 'made me' says Javier Mascherano

Javier Mascherano has paid tribute to Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez for turning him into a world-class midfielder.

The Argentinian captain is on the verge of signing a new long-term deal at Anfield and he admits the chance to continue working with Benitez was key to his decision to stay.

Benitez revealed earlier this week that contract talks are at an advanced stage and hailed Mascherano as "a player every manager would like to have in their team".

"I'm very proud a manager like Rafa Benitez said those things about me," he said.

"I always try to give 100% in training sessions and in games to do everything I can to help my team, the manager and everyone involved in this club.

"All managers have different ways of working. Rafa is totally different from Diego Maradona and the other managers I've had.

"For three and a half years I've been working with Rafa and I can now say I'm a better player and a better person from when I arrived here. That's down to Rafa and his staff."

Mascherano, who is currently under contract until 2012, has been repeatedly linked with a move to Spain.

However, the 25-year-old insists he has never considered leaving the Reds and is ready to commit his future to the club.

"Liverpool know I want to stay so I don't think it will be difficult to arrive at a deal," he said.

"The club are talking with my agent. I leave my agent to sort it out as I don't like to be involved in the talks. We will see what happens in a few weeks.

"I've never said I wasn't happy at Liverpool. Maybe the press have said that but I've always been happy.

"The only way I can show the supporters and the club how much I want to stay is by giving my best on the pitch."

Liverpool will attempt to kick-start their charge for fourth place when Sunderland visit Anfield on Sunday.

Mascherano admits last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Manchester United was tough to take, but the fact that Manchester City and Aston Villa dropped points in midweek has given the players renewed belief that they can secure the final Champions League spot.

"It was disappointing at United but the performance wasn't bad," he added.

"We started really well and got a goal but then it was difficult.

"If we had kept the lead for a bit longer it would have been easier for us to create chances on the counter attack.

"They got a penalty but I thought my challenge on (Antonio) Valencia was outside the box. It was a difficult decision for the referee as he had no time to decide.

"With the other results this week we have more hope."

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