Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson
was delighted with Javier
Mascherano's performance in their 1-1 draw with
Arsenal.
Hodgson started with Mascherano in midfield for his side's
Barclays Premier League opener against Arsenal despite the Argentina captain's stated
desire to leave.
The 26-year-old produced a committed display and set up a goal
for David Ngog before leaving the action at Anfield - which ended
in a 1-1 draw - after 79 minutes with a minor injury.
Hodgson said of his performance: "It doesn't surprise me. I have
had two weeks working with him and he is an outstanding player.
"He is a top-quality player, one of the best at his job in the
world and he showed that once again today."
Mascherano wants to leave for personal reasons and Hodgson will
not stand in his way - but only if the right offer is received.
The former West Ham player has been linked with European
champions Inter Milan but, as
yet, no approaches have been made.
Hodgson is hoping the situation remains that way in the closing
weeks of the summer transfer window.
Hodgson said: "Let's be frank, he is playing at
Liverpool, which is a good club.
How many clubs can he move to which will be better or even at the
same level?
"We are not looking at clubs for Javier
Mascherano that go into the tens - we are looking at
clubs in the single figures.
"As yet we have not received any offers.
"The fact is we want to keep him here and we will keep him here
unless an offer comes in that is correct, ie commensurate with his
value and one we feel would be wrong for us to turn down because we
have said if that offer comes in we will accept it.
"At the moment it is not there, not on the horizon."