Mascherano keen to restart career (24 Feb 2007 00:54 GMT)
Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano is keen to restart his career in English soccer starting this weekend with his debut for Liverpool.
FIFA and the Premier League have now approved Mascherano's move from West Ham - which was settled last month - and Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez said the 22-year-old player could figure in Saturday's home game against Sheffield United.
"He's in the squad tomorrow and he will have possibilities," Benitez said on Friday. "We have to see about the physical condition of the players."
Mascherano could get his chance if Benitez rests some of the players involved in Wednesday's 2-1 Champions League win at FC Barcelona.
It would mark the start of a new period in Mascherano's career, which stuttered after he joined the Hammers with fellow Argentina international Carlos Tevez at the start of the season. He played just seven times and his last appearance was for six minutes as a substitute in a 2-0 loss to Everton three months ago.
"Going to West Ham wasn't the best thing to do," Mascherano told a news conference. "That's the truth and although it hurts I have to accept it."
Mascherano said his experience helped him develop.
"I clearly didn't play sufficiently well to warrant a place in the team," Mascherano told Liverpool's website. "The backroom staff obviously didn't think I was worth it. I didn't play a great deal, but I have to take my share of the blame."
Instead of fighting relegation with West Ham, Mascherano will now be competing for a place in Liverpool's midfield with players including Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, Boudewijn Zenden and Mohamed Sissoko.
"If you had an English player in the national team at the age of 22, you'd all be saying he is a very good player," Benitez said. "Mascherano has 22 caps for Argentina and he is only 22. For me, that shows the mentality, character, quality and personality of this player."
source : SuperSoccer