Rafa Benitez has insisted Javier Mascherano is “100 per cent committed” to Liverpool despite ongoing speculation the key midfielder will leave and join Barcelona at the end of the season.
The Argentinian ace almost left Anfield for the Catalan giants last summer but the move never came off and he now appears focused on securing a top-four finish for the Reds in the remainder of the campaign.
The former West Ham star has been in superb form in the last few weeks and even had to operate as a makeshift right-back against Everton after injuries and suspensions hit Benitez’s squad hard.
The Spanish coach, who is not known for lavishing praise on his players, has now gone out of his way to pay tribute to the midfielder.
“Javier is showing on the pitch why he is the captain of Argentina,” Benitez said.
“He is someone who has a very good character, he is very positive and can inspire those around him. 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.”
The Reds boss added: “He is back to the Javier Mascherano that we signed. His commitment to the club is 100 per cent.”
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