Rafa talks up Mascherano

Javier Mascherano is the man to lead Liverpool’s assault on the top four now that the spectre of joining Barcelona has disappeared, reckons Reds boss Rafa Bentitez. The tough Argentine has struggled this season raising doubts about his Anfield commitment. Recently, however, he has recaptured the form that made him a cult hero at the club last season. "Mascherano is showing on the pitch why he is the captain of Argentina. He has a great character, he's very positive and inspires those around him,” commented Benitez on Monday. "He's setting an example to the rest of the team. I am really pleased with the way all of them are playing but Mascherano is doing really well.” The Reds travel to Manchester City on Sunday knowing defeat could leave them six points adrift of their Eastlands rivals in the race for the fourth and final Champions League spot.