Javier Mascherano,Argentina

Javier Mascherno:
Country: Argentina
Club Team: Liverpool
Position: Midfielder
Age: 25

Like Carlos Tevez, Argentina captain Javier Mascherano was bought by an investment company upon joining Corinthians in Brazil. The ruthless defensive midfielder went on to play for West Ham United before Liverpool bought him from the investors. While not worth much at the attacking end of the field, Mascherano provides that all-important first line of resistance for the defense with his accurate tackling and unwavering commitment to keeping the nets clean. Argentina manager Diego Maradona has described his team as Mascherano and 10 others.

Alonso, 27, is more like a quarterback than the Argentine. His range of passing is superb, his vision greater than Mascherano’s. Xabi can breach defences with pin-point accuracy, whereas Maschy is more inclined to keep things as simple as possible (at Rafa’s request, no doubt). On the downside, Xabi is very slow. He gets away with it because he’s surrounded by more dynamic players who will run all day (Gerrard, Kuyt etc.). In that respect, you could call him a modern-day version of Jan Molby, albeit without the spare tyre.Which of the two would Liverpool miss more? It’s a very tough call. They’d miss them both a hell of a lot, but I’m inclined to side with Mascherano, who is younger than Xabi and whose discipline really makes it easy for his team-mates to express themselves. Xabi is more likable, no doubt, but likability doesn’t win you trophies.