Javier Mascherano says that he would now prefer to play at centre-back for Barcelona rather than switch back to midfield.
The 28-year-old, who just passed the 100-game mark at the club, has played more than 60 per cent of his matches for La Blaugrana at centre-back, after Pep Guardiola’s decision to first try him there in autumn 2010.
It is an experiment that has the player now convinced that it is his more natural position.
“I want to continue playing at Barcelona as a centre-back,” he enthused today to TyC Esports.
“I feel very comfortable there and I know that with the players we have it is easier for me to play there than to play in central midfield.
“That is not to say that central defence has less calibre of players, quite the opposite. [Carles] Puyol and [Gerard] Pique are the best centre-backs in the world.
“But according to my characteristics, it is more convenient for me to play at centre-back. For the national team, however, I have no problem for playing in midfield. [Coach Alejandro] Sabella is the one who determines that, and I respect that.”
The Argentine then turned his attention to club and country colleague Lionel Messi.
“I believe that there is no other individual player like him. Nobody can do what he does. The Ballon d’Or awards that. I trust and think that the fourth consecutive win will be his.
“It is a vote between players and Coaches and they all more or less have the same thoughts. He is the best in the world by a significant gap.”
