14 - Javier Mascherano

[JamDav1982]

True.
He played a good match but I don't understand why Javier doesn't press his direct opponent… he always steps back like if he was a centre back.

Thats the way they play, Gago and Masch will drop deep and protect the defence if the ball is not close enough to be won immediately.

For a couple of reasons I would guess -

1. The defence drop deep as there is a lack of pace but they have good height. They try and flood the centre and make teams go wide attempt crosses into the box.

2. They play on the break and try and suck teams in and make them over commit men forward by dropping back. As soon as Masch or Gago win it they will try and get the ball to front 3/4 as early as possible to start a break.

If you are expecting to see an Argentina midfield that presses and wins ball back early and looks to dominate ball - it wont happen.

A lot of the time they look poor then get a bit of space and kill the other team.

 

[eye-switcher]

Good game from him, his pass to Di Maria Before the first goal was soo good.
He did have a brainfart in his own penalty area though when he almost tried to walk the ball away from the danger area..

 

[linetty]

Javier Mascherano has the highest percentage of accurate passes in this World Cup (92%)

 

[eye-switcher]

Javier Mascherano has the highest percentage of accurate passes in this World Cup (92%)

Awesome

 

[barcanuck]

We have found our Xavi replacement!

 

[ThwiX]

His horrible long balls today made me so fucking frustrated. Step it the fuck up, Masch.

 

[Behrox]

His horrible long balls today made me so fucking frustrated. Step it the fuck up, Masch.

with Gago as his partner you are asking him to try and provide stability to the shaky defense like Busi while being Argentina's Xaviesta

 

[AURELIUS]

To the little diver Shaqiri.....

https://vine.co/v/MFYtZLhZLt0

He is a lion is Masche. Always has been, always will be. Potential coach of the future.

 

[KingMessi]

He is a lion is Masche. Always has been, always will be. Potential coach of the future.

I can see El Jefecito be a coach in the mold of Diego Simeone.

 

[Frodo_FCB]

To the little diver Shaqiri.....

https://vine.co/v/MFYtZLhZLt0

He is a lion is Masche. Always has been, always will be. Potential coach of the future.

I love this gif...I want Masch to be our captain, but he probably wont be a starter...

 

[El_e8]

He always gives everything he has. There are time he screws up with late tackles but he never backs down from them neither. Big heart

 

[DonAK]

 

[Egert]

No player has had more tackles+interceptions in World Cup 2014 than Mascherano (31)

 

[eye-switcher]

No player has had more tackles+interceptions in World Cup 2014 than Mascherano (31)

He´s been awesome so far, keep it up!

 

[Trickykid]

Man, I hope Lucho somehow can work magic, and incorporate Masch in our midfield on a somewhat regular basis. I have no idea how, but it's obvious that his ever present workrate, heart and tenacity is needed to pull our team from the mire.