Tug of war: Javier Mascherano is wanted by
Barcelona
Javier Mascherano has spoken glowingly of his admiration
for Barcelona - cranking up the pressure on
Liverpool to offer him an
improved contract.
Rafael Benitez is determined to keep the midfielder from Barca's
clutches, but it is suggested the Barclays Premier League club will
have to double his £30,000 a week wages to keep the Argentina
captain happy.
Nou Camp boss Pep Guardiola has identified Mascherano as the
perfect addition to a stellar midfield that includes Andres Iniesta
and Xavi, but the their £20million valuation is nowhere near the
prohibitive £50m which Liverpool are understood to have quoted to
Barca and
Manchester City.
Real Madrid have also been linked to the 25-year-old and
Mascherano told Spanish magazine Don Balon the interest was 'a great
compliment'.
He added: 'For me it represents a great recognition because we
are talking about big clubs. 'I feel comfortable in Liverpool, but
it is always good to know that teams like Barcelona or Real Madrid
are interested. I am very grateful.'
Mascherano has three years left on his contract, so Liverpool
will be reluctant to improve his pay. But he earns far less than
captain Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, who both pick up more
than £100,000 a week.
As for the best team in Europe, Mascherano is emphatic. 'There
is no doubt, Barca are better than the rest,' he said. And Nou Camp
idol Lionel Messi, Mascherano's Argentina team-mate, gets the nod
above Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka as the greatest talent on the
planet.
'Without doubt, Messi is the best player in the world,' he said.
'To have him close by is a privilege. He knows no bounds in
football.'
Can he be as good as Maradona? 'Time will tell, but it is
certain that no one can be sure that he won't be. That puts him on
a very high level, among the best in history, without doubt.'