• You may have to login or register before you can post and view our exclusive members only forums.
    To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Mascherano non-committal on Liverpool future

Forums Unread posts
Status
Not open for further replies.
the count

the count

SCM's least favourite muppet- There was a poll
Honorary Member
Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano would not be drawn on his future at Anfield following Wednesday's 2-1 defeat by Fiorentina.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez recently claimed talks to extend the Argentine's contract had been "very positive".

But Mascherano, whose side failed to reach the last 16 of the Champions League, was non-committal.

"I just talk about football - not about contracts or money," said the 25-year-old, who has been linked to Barcelona.

Reports over the summer, hinting that the Argentina captain was keen to move to a Spanish-speaking country for family reasons, sparked rumours of a move to the Nou Camp.

In response, Benitez said an offer of £50m would not be enough to sign a player who initially joined on loan after a spell with West Ham and then cost £18m when his contract was bought from Media Sports Investments.


Mascherano has two years remaining on his Liverpool deal but speculation over his future has persisted during a season in which Liverpool's have suffered a Champions League group stage exit and slipped to eighth in the Premier League.

Benitez insisted over the weekend that Mascherano was happy and that negotiations were ongoing but, speaking after the loss to Fiorentina, the player stated: "I am playing for Liverpool.

"I am a Liverpool player and, like the manager says, I have two more years on my contract so I think I don't have to say anything else.

"I play for Liverpool and will continue playing and trying to give my best."


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/8405626.stm
 
Not too bothered...

He's a beast away from home against the other top teams, he offers nothing at home or away against the cannon fodder.

Rafa can't see that though so will continue to play him regardless.

Only players I see as untouchable at the moment are Reina, Agger, Carra, Johnson, Gerrard & Torres.
 
Exactly. Offers nothing at home against the other top teams, Mr.V? Go tell that to the Mancs, whose midfield Mascher chewed up at Anfield last season. The way you and some others dismiss the games against those top teams, in which Mascher is absolutely crucial, anyone would think we could easily afford to lose them.

Besides, even the "cannon fodder" have been causing us plenty of problems lately. Goodness only knows how many more points we'd have dropped in those games without Mascher in front of that stuttering defence, Daniel "hospital backpass" Agger very much included.

Toying with ideas of Mascher being dispensable might make some sense if we were flying and could afford to rely on our attacking strength to sweep other teams aside. We are way, WAY short of that level at the moment and losing our midfield mainstay would not help, not one tiny bit. Hands up those who think we're missing Alonso - well, so do I, but we'd miss Mascher AT LEAST as much.
 
[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=37825.msg1011173#msg1011173 date=1260461569]
Exactly. Offers nothing at home against the other top teams, Mr.V? Go tell that to the Mancs, whose midfield Mascher chewed up at Anfield last season. The way you and some others dismiss the games against those top teams, in which Mascher is absolutely crucial, anyone would think we could easily afford to lose them.

Besides, even the "cannon fodder" have been causing us plenty of problems lately. Goodness only knows how many more points we'd have dropped in those games without Mascher in front of that stuttering defence, Daniel "hospital backpass" Agger very much included.

Toying with ideas of Mascher being dispensable might make some sense if we were flying and could afford to rely on our attacking strength to sweep other teams aside. We are way, WAY short of that level at the moment and losing our midfield mainstay would not help, not one tiny bit. Hands up those who think we're missing Alonso - well, so do I, but we'd miss Mascher AT LEAST as much.
[/quote]

He's just about the best player around at what he does JJ. I'm amazed that some people still think he should be dropped from the team for certain games.
 
What exactly 'does' he do?

He breaks up tackles, that's about it!!

I worded my original post badly, I meant against the top teams home and away he's very good, but against the lower teams he does not have the necessary skills to unlock defences. 1 50 yard pass to feet per game that constitutes in "Good pass" does not mean he's a world beater!!

If we sold him for £30-35 and got the money for 3 players, I'd take it in a heartbeat!
 
[quote author=Mr_V link=topic=37825.msg1011206#msg1011206 date=1260463852]


If we sold him for £30-35 and got the money for 3 players, I'd take it in a heartbeat!
[/quote]

THIRTY POUNDS !??!!

ARE YOU MENTAL ???!!!!????
 
[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=37825.msg1011203#msg1011203 date=1260463475]
[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=37825.msg1011173#msg1011173 date=1260461569]
Exactly. Offers nothing at home against the other top teams, Mr.V? Go tell that to the Mancs, whose midfield Mascher chewed up at Anfield last season. The way you and some others dismiss the games against those top teams, in which Mascher is absolutely crucial, anyone would think we could easily afford to lose them.

Besides, even the "cannon fodder" have been causing us plenty of problems lately. Goodness only knows how many more points we'd have dropped in those games without Mascher in front of that stuttering defence, Daniel "hospital backpass" Agger very much included.

Toying with ideas of Mascher being dispensable might make some sense if we were flying and could afford to rely on our attacking strength to sweep other teams aside. We are way, WAY short of that level at the moment and losing our midfield mainstay would not help, not one tiny bit. Hands up those who think we're missing Alonso - well, so do I, but we'd miss Mascher AT LEAST as much.
[/quote]

He's just about the best player around at what he does JJ. I'm amazed that some people still think he should be dropped from the team for certain games.

[/quote]

*2
 
We did alright last season considering our CM partnership consisted of one bloke who can only tackle, and the other who could only pass
 
There are some games where Mascherano doesn't need to play, when we're on top form and at home for instance. But right now selling a world-class defensive midfielder when our defence is a shambles would be ludicrous.

We need to keep hold of him, at least until the seasons end.
 
Once bitten twice shy I say.
Many underestimated the loss that Alonso would be to the team (and I appreciate that we have yet to see how his replacemnt does) and i have no desire to repeat the lesson with Masher, irrespective of whether he wants to stay or go.
The though of bedding in a new CM pairing of Aqualini and (insert second grade defensive midfielder) fills me with as much dread as the thought that Lucas would be a regular starter in Mashers absence.
 
You'd think Mascherano was Lionel Messi the way some of you go on.

If we can get 30M for a defensive midfielder, it'd be the deal of the century.
 
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37825.msg1011419#msg1011419 date=1260482950]
You'd think Mascherano was Lionel Messi the way some of you go on.

If we can get 30M for a defensive midfielder, it'd be the deal of the century.
[/quote]

Only if you're resigned to having to sell our best players to fund new purchases. Are you?
 
[quote author=keniget link=topic=37825.msg1011435#msg1011435 date=1260483648]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37825.msg1011419#msg1011419 date=1260482950]
You'd think Mascherano was Lionel Messi the way some of you go on.

If we can get 30M for a defensive midfielder, it'd be the deal of the century.
[/quote]

Only if you're resigned to having to sell our best players to fund new purchases. Are you?
[/quote]

2+2=157 eh?

Accepting 30M odd for a defensive midfielder doesn't automatically make you a selling club Ken.

Beckham - 25M
Vieira - 16M
Anelka - 21M
etc etc etc

Sometimes the money on offer is too good, and in a lot of instances, you can use that cash to go and buy someone as good for cheaper, or just plain better.

We're not talking about someone like Reina, who would be a fucking nightmare to replace. This is a defensive midfielder, and I could name half a dozen off the top of my head who'd do an equally good job.

Mascherano's a good player, and is vital at times, but we've proven good enough without him on many occassions, and I think if 30M odd is on the table for someone who, let's be honest, would probably prefer to play elsewhere in the long-term then we should take it.
 
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37825.msg1011419#msg1011419 date=1260482950]
You'd think Mascherano was Lionel Messi the way some of you go on.

If we can get 30M for a defensive midfielder, it'd be the deal of the century.
[/quote]

Yes, if this season has shown anything, it's that its very easy to replace a regularly starting CM.
 
[quote author=Farkmaster link=topic=37825.msg1011441#msg1011441 date=1260484199]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37825.msg1011419#msg1011419 date=1260482950]
You'd think Mascherano was Lionel Messi the way some of you go on.

If we can get 30M for a defensive midfielder, it'd be the deal of the century.
[/quote]

Yes, if this season has shown anything, it's that its very easy to replace a regularly starting CM.
[/quote]

We should never sell anyone again ever then.
 
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37825.msg1011444#msg1011444 date=1260484418]
[quote author=Farkmaster link=topic=37825.msg1011441#msg1011441 date=1260484199]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37825.msg1011419#msg1011419 date=1260482950]
You'd think Mascherano was Lionel Messi the way some of you go on.

If we can get 30M for a defensive midfielder, it'd be the deal of the century.
[/quote]

Yes, if this season has shown anything, it's that its very easy to replace a regularly starting CM.
[/quote]

We should never sell anyone again ever then.
[/quote]

Yea, that's the logical extension of not wanting to sell a known good in a position we are now weak at.
 
[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=37825.msg1011173#msg1011173 date=1260461569]
Exactly. Offers nothing at home against the other top teams, Mr.V? Go tell that to the Mancs, whose midfield Mascher chewed up at Anfield last season. The way you and some others dismiss the games against those top teams, in which Mascher is absolutely crucial, anyone would think we could easily afford to lose them.

Besides, even the "cannon fodder" have been causing us plenty of problems lately. Goodness only knows how many more points we'd have dropped in those games without Mascher in front of that stuttering defence, Daniel "hospital backpass" Agger very much included.

Toying with ideas of Mascher being dispensable might make some sense if we were flying and could afford to rely on our attacking strength to sweep other teams aside. We are way, WAY short of that level at the moment and losing our midfield mainstay would not help, not one tiny bit. Hands up those who think we're missing Alonso - well, so do I, but we'd miss Mascher AT LEAST as much.
[/quote]

Well said that man

regards
 
[quote author=Farkmaster link=topic=37825.msg1011456#msg1011456 date=1260484802]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37825.msg1011444#msg1011444 date=1260484418]
[quote author=Farkmaster link=topic=37825.msg1011441#msg1011441 date=1260484199]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37825.msg1011419#msg1011419 date=1260482950]
You'd think Mascherano was Lionel Messi the way some of you go on.

If we can get 30M for a defensive midfielder, it'd be the deal of the century.
[/quote]

Yes, if this season has shown anything, it's that its very easy to replace a regularly starting CM.
[/quote]

We should never sell anyone again ever then.
[/quote]

Yea, that's the logical extension of not wanting to sell a known good in a position we are now weak at.
[/quote]

Well, you're the one drawing correlations between us selling a pivotal part of our team and a defensive midfielder that can't pass the ball, so it got the response it merited.
 
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37825.msg1011460#msg1011460 date=1260484942]
[quote author=Farkmaster link=topic=37825.msg1011456#msg1011456 date=1260484802]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37825.msg1011444#msg1011444 date=1260484418]
[quote author=Farkmaster link=topic=37825.msg1011441#msg1011441 date=1260484199]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37825.msg1011419#msg1011419 date=1260482950]
You'd think Mascherano was Lionel Messi the way some of you go on.

If we can get 30M for a defensive midfielder, it'd be the deal of the century.
[/quote]

Yes, if this season has shown anything, it's that its very easy to replace a regularly starting CM.
[/quote]

We should never sell anyone again ever then.
[/quote]

Yea, that's the logical extension of not wanting to sell a known good in a position we are now weak at.
[/quote]

Well, you're the one drawing correlations between us selling a pivotal part of our team and a defensive midfielder that can't pass the ball, so it got the response it merited.
[/quote]

I don't think that's quite right either

regards
 
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37825.msg1011460#msg1011460 date=1260484942]
[quote author=Farkmaster link=topic=37825.msg1011456#msg1011456 date=1260484802]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37825.msg1011444#msg1011444 date=1260484418]
[quote author=Farkmaster link=topic=37825.msg1011441#msg1011441 date=1260484199]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37825.msg1011419#msg1011419 date=1260482950]
You'd think Mascherano was Lionel Messi the way some of you go on.

If we can get 30M for a defensive midfielder, it'd be the deal of the century.
[/quote]

Yes, if this season has shown anything, it's that its very easy to replace a regularly starting CM.
[/quote]

We should never sell anyone again ever then.
[/quote]

Yea, that's the logical extension of not wanting to sell a known good in a position we are now weak at.
[/quote]

Well, you're the one drawing correlations between us selling a pivotal part of our team and a defensive midfielder that can't pass the ball, so it got the response it merited.
[/quote]

Mascherano IS a pivotal part of our team, and he was last year as well. It is a total unknown who his partner will be at present, as we don't know if Aquilani -Mascherano will work, and we KNOW that Lucas-Mascherano won't work. Given our lack of forwards, Gerrard doesn't appear to be heading back regularly any time soon.

I'd prefer not to introduce further doubt into the situation, whereas you seem to think it's a fairly casual matter to remove the two starting CMs from our best performing team in years, and replace them in two years.

Lately Ryan, you seem to have taken up a smug position where anyone who disagrees with your position isn't being intellectually honest, or is making some hysterical statement. It comes off as patronising. Of course Mascherano can be replaced, and if he forces his way out, then he'll have to be. I'm not enthusiastic about it though, even though I'd have much rather have lost him than Alonso.
 
[quote author=Farkmaster link=topic=37825.msg1011466#msg1011466 date=1260485536]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37825.msg1011460#msg1011460 date=1260484942]
[quote author=Farkmaster link=topic=37825.msg1011456#msg1011456 date=1260484802]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37825.msg1011444#msg1011444 date=1260484418]
[quote author=Farkmaster link=topic=37825.msg1011441#msg1011441 date=1260484199]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37825.msg1011419#msg1011419 date=1260482950]
You'd think Mascherano was Lionel Messi the way some of you go on.

If we can get 30M for a defensive midfielder, it'd be the deal of the century.
[/quote]

Yes, if this season has shown anything, it's that its very easy to replace a regularly starting CM.
[/quote]

We should never sell anyone again ever then.
[/quote]

Yea, that's the logical extension of not wanting to sell a known good in a position we are now weak at.
[/quote]

Well, you're the one drawing correlations between us selling a pivotal part of our team and a defensive midfielder that can't pass the ball, so it got the response it merited.
[/quote]

Mascherano IS a pivotal part of our team, and he was last year as well. It is a total unknown who his partner will be at present, as we don't know if Aquilani -Mascherano will work, and we KNOW that Lucas-Mascherano won't work. Given our lack of forwards, Gerrard doesn't appear to be heading back regularly any time soon.

I'd prefer not to introduce further doubt into the situation, whereas you seem to think it's a fairly casual matter to remove the two starting CMs from our best performing team in years, and replace them in two years.

Lately Ryan, you seem to have taken up a smug position where anyone who disagrees with your position isn't being intellectually honest, or is making some hysterical statement. It comes off as patronising. Of course Mascherano can be replaced, and if he forces his way out, then he'll have to be. I'm not enthusiastic about it though, even though I'd have much rather have lost him than Alonso.
[/quote]

I guess our impressions of what Masher brings (or wouldn't if he were sold) are markedly different Fark, and thus are colouring our views of this debate.

It's really rather pointless carrying it on as we're unlikely to convince one another of his merits or deficiencies. I guess I see 30M for a defensive midfielder that we've proven we can play without ( we won a champions league without him) is a super deal. Top teams sell excellent players (even central midfielders Fark) in important positions all the time, and seem to be capable enough not to fucking plummet into the lower echelons of the league without them.

I'd sell him for that type of money in a heartbeat.
 
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37825.msg1011440#msg1011440 date=1260484158]
2+2=157 eh?

Accepting 30M odd for a defensive midfielder doesn't automatically make you a selling club Ken.

Beckham - 25M
Vieira - 16M
Anelka - 21M
etc etc etc

Sometimes the money on offer is too good, and in a lot of instances, you can use that cash to go and buy someone as good for cheaper, or just plain better.

We're not talking about someone like Reina, who would be a fucking nightmare to replace. This is a defensive midfielder, and I could name half a dozen off the top of my head who'd do an equally good job.

Mascherano's a good player, and is vital at times, but we've proven good enough without him on many occassions, and I think if 30M odd is on the table for someone who, let's be honest, would probably prefer to play elsewhere in the long-term then we should take it.
[/quote]

I don't think Masher is as important as JJ suggests - he certainly isn't as important to us as Alonso was - however there seems to be growing support for the notion that Masher's role in our side is rather trivial and I'm not quite sure why. Maybe it's because we're so shit at the moment or most likely because of the rumours he wants to leave... either way I have to disagree.

Who are all these players that would easily replace him? There aren't many midfielders available who are at his level - and I'll say the same thing I said in the summer about Alonso - and if there are, why would be able to demand 30M for him?

And more importantly, our midfield lacks leadership as it is. Alonso, whose defensive abilities were hugely underrated, had it. Masher has shown in recent weeks that when on form, he has it. Aquilani? I don't know... he always had De Rossi alongside him and Lucas is a lost cause in this respect. Our midfield has been diabolical this season and I would like to see us improve it rather than let another of it's lynchpins go.

If he desperately wants to go or we desperately need the money, that's another story, but then that'd bring us back to my first post - we would not be selling from a position of strength.
 
[quote author=keniget link=topic=37825.msg1011488#msg1011488 date=1260486490]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37825.msg1011440#msg1011440 date=1260484158]
2+2=157 eh?

Accepting 30M odd for a defensive midfielder doesn't automatically make you a selling club Ken.

Beckham - 25M
Vieira - 16M
Anelka - 21M
etc etc etc

Sometimes the money on offer is too good, and in a lot of instances, you can use that cash to go and buy someone as good for cheaper, or just plain better.

We're not talking about someone like Reina, who would be a fucking nightmare to replace. This is a defensive midfielder, and I could name half a dozen off the top of my head who'd do an equally good job.

Mascherano's a good player, and is vital at times, but we've proven good enough without him on many occassions, and I think if 30M odd is on the table for someone who, let's be honest, would probably prefer to play elsewhere in the long-term then we should take it.
[/quote]

I don't think Masher is as important as JJ suggests - he certainly isn't as important to us as Alonso was - however there seems to be growing support for the notion that Masher's role in our side is rather trivial and I'm not quite sure why. Maybe it's because we're so shit at the moment or most likely because of the rumours he wants to leave... either way I have to disagree.

Who are all these players that would easily replace him? There aren't many midfielders available who are at his level - and I'll say the same thing I said in the summer about Alonso - and if there are, why would be able to demand 30M for him?

And more importantly, our midfield lacks leadership as it is. Alonso, whose defensive abilities were hugely underrated, had it. Masher has shown in recent weeks that when on form, he has it. Aquilani? I don't know... he always had De Rossi alongside him and Lucas is a lost cause in this respect. Our midfield has been diabolical this season and I would like to see us improve it rather than let another of it's lynchpins go.

If he desperately wants to go or we desperately need the money, that's another story, but then that'd bring us back to my first post - we would not be selling from a position of strength.
[/quote]

I'm not suggesting his role in the side is "trivial", although I doubt you were inferring I was to be fair. He's an important player, and as I've alluded to - is vital in some games.

As mentioned earlier, there are parts to his game that irk the shit out of me - he gives the ball away too much (partly due to not having an Alonso alongisde him now to dictate the play), he commits far too many fouls, and he dives in way too much when all he has to to is stand up and negate (he could have learned a lot from Didi in that respect). But no footballer's perfect, and whatever deficiencies he has in his game are outweighed by what else he brings us.

I suppose to sum up, I don't think he's anywhere near as vital to us as say Reina, Alonso, Gerrard, Torres, Carra - for a variety of reasons, and unlike many of those players, he could be replaced easier than say Torres or Reina.

On top of that his supposed wantaway attitude has to be taken into consideration. I don't think his most ardent supporter really see's him with us in the longterm, so if he's at the height of his value now then we should take it.

In my opinion, of course.
 
Heh, well that slightly reworded opinion reads a lot better than the initial one that suggested he could be replaced at the drop of a hat - I really don't think it's that easy especially when you look at the money some of the top clubs have thrown away on duff midfielders in recent years.

I think you're being a little harsh on Masher personally and as you alluded to, some of the problems we're seeing with him right now can be attributed to the woeful movement around him and the no playmaker to orchestrate the game.

I suppose I should wait till I see more of Aquilani in a red shirt but as things stand, I think we seriously need to reconsider the 4-2-3-1 formation come the summer (or Jan if possible). It requires a unique combination of midfield talent and relies on the fitness of Torres and Gerrard, which we should no longer be prepared to gamble on. Such a change might lessen the blow of Masher going because we wouldn't necessarily be looking for a like for like replacement.
 
[quote author=keniget link=topic=37825.msg1011506#msg1011506 date=1260487798]
Heh, well that slightly reworded opinion reads a lot better than the initial one that suggested he could be replaced at the drop of a hat - I really don't think it's that easy especially when you look at the money some of the top clubs have thrown away on duff midfielders in recent years.

I think you're being a little harsh on Masher personally and as you alluded to, some of the problems we're seeing with him right now can be attributed to the woeful movement around him and the no playmaker to orchestrate the game.

I suppose I should wait till I see more of Aquilani in a red shirt but as things stand, I think we seriously need to reconsider the 4-2-3-1 formation come the summer (or Jan if possible). It requires a unique combination of midfield talent and relies on the fitness of Torres and Gerrard, which we should no longer be prepared to gamble on. Such a change might lessen the blow of Masher going because we wouldn't necessarily be looking for a like for like replacement.
[/quote]

Hmmm yeah.

I could be wrong, and I'm basing this on two bits of fuck all but from what I've seen thus far of Aquilani, I really don't think a midfield partnership of him plus Masher (or any defensive midfield partner really) is gonna be good enough for quite some time. Again, it's based on little as I've not seen enough thus far of the Italian, but early glimpses of him don't fill me with positivity re his midfield presence. I think to get the best out of him, we'll need two other central midfielders alongside him.

Can you imagine him and Masher coming up against say Ballack, Essien and Lampard? We'd get fucking murdered.

I suspect getting him fit is the first in a long line of things with him that we're going to have to wait for.
 
I said the same in the Aquilani thread the other day re: having three in midfield.

In the short term, I'd like to see us drop Gerrard back into midfield and play 4-5-1 / 4-3-3.
 
It's a horrible situation ala Alonso saga last year. I'd only consider selling if the player was unhappy and kept trying to force a move.

Many claimed Alonso just passed the ball and look how much we miss him. Masher does more than just running around tackling anything that moves. Do we want to lose Masher now aswel. Can our midfield take another hit?

Would 30 million soften the blow for us? He would be harder to replace than many make out. Mascherano is basically world class in his role, captain of his country and a pivotal player in big games for us. Barca, one of the biggest clubs in the world want him and in the past players of his ilk, (the Diarra's at Madrid along with Gago) all went for in and around 20 million.

Saying that, if he wanted to go and Lass Diarra and Higuain were brought in from his sale then I'd gladly have to agree to it.
 
If he wants to leave and pushes for the move, I'd take £30M for him at the end of the season. Providing the money goes back into the team of course.

He's a cracking little player, but if we can't trust Benitez to successfully replace a defensive midfielder armed with £30M, we really shouldn't want him in charge. Masher has proved himself to be crucial in a of games, and has successfully destroyed some wonderful footballers, but a lot of the time I think we're much too static, obvious and slow in an attacking sense to be allowed the luxury of such a defensively orientated player.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom