'Messi's unique ability can extend his future' - Mascherano
Former FC Barcelona and Argentina player Javier Mascherano spoke about some former teammates and compared Liverpool to another previous club.
Speaking with TyC Sports, the current Estudiantes de La Plata player, Javier Mascherano, gave some thoughts on his former teammates Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta, as well as making a comparison of another of his former sides.
Mascherano on Lionel Messi
"Leo is going to play until he wants to," stated the man who spent eight seasons with Barcelona.
"The understanding that Leo has of the game is unique. That gives you the potential to play until the age you want. For this reason it depends less on your physical attributes, as the understanding is in the head.
"We all know what he is going to do [on the pitch]," Masch continued, "however, he always ends up being free. It's a crazy thing, he owns the game.
"He has become the complete player... the other day he created all the goal opportunities against Valencia."
"It is difficult to see Barça remove their manager in the middle of the season... it is yet another challenge for the team, for the group, to turn this situation around, but it is in their hands."
Gerrard, Alonso, Xavi, Iniesta
The possibility of Iniesta coming to join him as manager was put to the former Liverpool midfielder, and he had some comparisons to draw upon.
"[Steven] Gerrard had a first-time shot like I've never seen; Xabi Alonso had tremendous vision; and it was impossible to get the ball off Xavi and Iniesta, you couldn't steal it. They had an ability to understand the game of another level.
"Andres is comfortable in Japan, it appears that his wine business is going well there, he has another plan. When the rumours began to circulate we tried, but it was difficult."
Mascherano made another reference about the current European and World Club Champions, and expanded on his view of Gerrard.
"I am a Liverpool fan, so I always watch them. I have never seen such a team. They're extraordinary, practically complete. They can play out from the back, go long, they have no problem going backwards... They give you so many options in the same game, so unpredictable.
"They play with two open full-backs; I can see the comparisons with them and Gallardo's River Plate.
"About Steven Gerrard at Liverpool, he was awesome. I never saw anyone hit the ball first-time and without controlling the ball like him. You gave him a hard pass and with his first touch he'd play a 40-metre flush pass.