Javier Mascherano

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Javier Mascherano
Personal information
Full name Javier Alejandro Mascherano
Date of birth 8 June 1984 (1984-06-08) (age 24)
Place of birth    San Lorenzo, Argentina
Height 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Playing position Defensive midfielder
Club information
Current club Liverpool
Number 20
Senior clubs1
Years Club App (Gls)*
2003–2005
2005–2006
2006–2007
2007–		 River Plate
Corinthians
West Ham United
Liverpool		 46 (0)
17 (0)
05 (0)
32 (1)   
National team2
2003– Argentina 36 (2)

1 Senior club appearances and goals
counted for the domestic league only and
correct as of 22:20, 12 May 2008 (UTC).
2 National team caps and goals correct
as of 16:16, 23 May 2008 (UTC).
* Appearances (Goals)

Javier Alejandro Mascherano (pronounced IPA: [ˌmaskeˈɾano]) (born 7 June 1984 in Santa Fe) is an Argentine football player who currently plays for Liverpool. He joined the club on loan from Media Sports Investments in January 2007 and later signed permanently for Liverpool in February 2008. Mascherano holds an Italian passport due to his ancestry.[1] Mascherano's two most used nicknames (in Argentina) are Masche[2] and Jefecito (Little chief).[3]

Contents

[edit] Club Career

[edit] River Plate (2003-2005)

Mascherano came through the youth ranks at River Plate in Buenos Aires, Argentina. However, before making his club debut he made his name representing Argentina.

His River Plate league debut came on August 3, 2003 against Nueva Chicago. River won 2-1. After returning from the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship, Mascherano was straight back into action for River in the 2003 Copa Sudamericana final. Over the two legs River were beaten 4-3 by Peruvian club Cienciano.

Mascherano won his first silverware when River won the 2003-04 Clausura (Closing) championship. In the 2004 Copa Libertadores River reached the semi-final, but lost on penalties to arch-rivals Boca Juniors.

Around this time several clubs including Real Madrid, and Deportivo de La Coruña declared an interest in signing Mascherano, but River Plate turned down all offers, saying that none of the interested parties were prepared to pay enough.

2004-05 was not a successful season for River, finishing 3rd in the Apertura championship and only 10th in the Clausura. In the Copa Libertadores River again lost in the semi-final, this time to São Paulo.

After the Confederations Cup in Germany, Brazilian club Corinthians acquired Mascherano from River Plate for US$ 15 million.

[edit] Corinthians (2005-2006)

The Brazilian Série A runs from April, so Mascherano joined Corinthians in mid-season. After playing only nine games for his new club, on September 2005, Mascherano suffered a stress fracture to his left foot causing him to miss the end of the season. He went back to Argentina to be operated on by the National team doctor and recuperate.[4][5][6][7] However, Corinthians still claimed the 2005 Série A championship with the team captained by Mascherano's Argentine compatriot, Carlos Tévez.

In total, Mascherano was out of action for six months, only returning on 5 March 2006.[8] Corinthians were forced to start their 2006 Copa Libertadores without Mascherano, but he returned in time for the Round of 16 tie against River Plate, which Corinthians lost. The 2006 Brazilian Série A also went badly for Corinthians, and at one stage they were battling against relegation. In June, the league season was interrupted for the 2006 World Cup.

Although his performance drew the attention of European clubs, he stated his desire to remain with Corinthians, to help with the relegation battle, and postponed any transfer until January at the earliest.[9] However, hours before the summer 2006 transfer window closed, Mascherano joined West Ham United for an undisclosed fee along with team-mate Carlos Tévez.[10]

[edit] West Ham (2006-Jan 2007)

During the summer of 2006 Mascherano was linked with top clubs around europe, he stated he would relish playing in Spain for Real Madrid or Barcelona but he was snapped up by West ham. The move to West Ham was seen as surprising, with many of Europe's top clubs having been linked with Mascherano all summer. There were many rumours about the nature of the transfer, primarily regarding Media Sports Investment's interest in buying-out West Ham. Rumours included speculation as to whether West Ham truly owned the players, and also that if a high enough (£112 million was touted) offer was received West Ham would be forced to sell.[11] (It has since been discovered that Global Soccer Agencies and Mystere Services are the companies that owned Mascherano.)[12]

Before Mascherano joined, West Ham had won one game, drawn one and lost one. However upon his arrival the team went into freefall, losing eight games and drawing one game in all competitions before their next win on 29 October. During this time, Mascherano rarely featured in the team, despite their struggles, prompting rumours about financial clauses related to the amount of time he was actually played. In October, the Argentina national coach, Alfio Basile, declared that he hoped Mascherano would leave West Ham "as soon as possible," and "I hope for God's sake that Mascherano can go to Juventus."[13]

On 16 January 2007, Liverpool requested clearance from FIFA to take Mascherano on loan from West Ham.[14] FIFA's rules state that no player can play for more than two different clubs between 1 July and 30 June the following year, but Mascherano had already played for both Corinthians and West Ham during this time.

FIFA approved the deal on 31 January 2007.[15] However, although Liverpool submitted his registration details before the midnight transfer deadline, England's Premier League did not immediately announce whether it would allow Mascherano to play for Liverpool, saying that it wanted to "take time to satisfy itself with the proposed arrangements".[16]

In a further twist, it was announced on 2 March that the Premier League were charging West Ham with breaking rule B13, concerning acting in good faith, and rule U18, which concerns the influence of third-party ownership.[17] On 27 April the Premier League issued West Ham a world-record fine of £5.5 million.[18]

[edit] Liverpool (Jan 2007-Present)

Mascherano in action for Liverpool
Mascherano in action for Liverpool

On 10 February, Liverpool added Mascherano to their Champions League squad and gave him the number 20 shirt. Eventually, on 20 February 2007, Mascherano's move to Liverpool became official after the Premier League accepted Liverpool's request to register the player at Anfield.[19]

Mascherano made his debut for Liverpool against Sheffield United on 24 February 2007,[20] and was praised by the Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez and team captain Steven Gerrard after Liverpool's 4-0 victory. After playing in a match against Arsenal on 31 March, Benitez called Mascherano a "monster of a player".[21] His first Champions League appearance came in the quarter-final first leg against PSV in Eindhoven on 3 April. Hastily establishing himself as a starter at the club, Mascherano played in the Champions League Final that year against AC Milan, which Liverpool lost 2–1. He was voted Liverpool's man of the match by the fans on the official Liverpool website.[22]

Following months of speculation, Mascherano signed a four-year permanent contract with Liverpool on 29 February 2008, ending his association with Media Sports Investments.[23] The transfer, which reportedly cost Liverpool £18.6m,[24] was allowed to go through as Mascherano was not contracted to another club, making him exempt from the rules of the transfer window. He scored his first Premier League and Liverpool goal on March 15 2008, with a 25 yard strike against Reading. Javier Mascherano is now seen as one of, if not the best defensive midfield player in the world due to solid and eye catching performances. He is quickly becoming a fan-favourite at Anfield, as he is referred to as "Tommy" - a popular Liverpudlian name.[25]

[edit] Old Trafford Incident

In his first game at Old Trafford against Manchester United he was sent off after collecting two yellow cards.[26] He was initially booked for a poorly timed tackle on Paul Scholes, and later dismissed for running towards the referee to protest a yellow card shown to Fernando Torres. Mascherano had to be pushed from the field of play by Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso. The Football Association causing the usual one game suspension to be extended to three games for improper conduct. [27] He then admitted the improper conduct charged to him but pleaded on the further two to three match suspension[28] but was denied by The Football Association [29]. Mascherano was also fined £15,000 for the misconduct [30].

[edit] International career

In September 2001, Mascherano was part of the Argentina team that finished fourth in the 2001 FIFA U-17 World Championship. His impact at youth levels was such that he made his senior international debut before playing a single minute for River Plate's first team. That international debut came in a friendly against Uruguay on July 16, 2003.[31]

Halfway through the 2003-04 Apertura (Opening) championship Mascherano was called up to play in the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship. Argentina again finished fourth with Mascherano the team's outstanding player.[32] Mascherano was however suspended for the third place match.

In January 2004, Mascherano joined up with Argentina's under-23 team for the South American Pre-Olímpico tournament in Chile. Argentina won the tournament.

At the end of the 2003-2004 season Mascherano was included in the squad for the 2004 Copa América. Argentina lost to Brazil on penalties in the final, but Mascherano impressed enough to be voted Argentina's player of the tournament by his team-mates.[32]

In August 2004, Mascherano was part of the gold medal-winning Argentine team at the 2004 Summer Olympics.

In June 2005, Mascherano joined up with the national team for the Confederations Cup in Germany. Argentina met Brazil in the final and lost 4-1.

In the 2006 World Cup, Mascherano played every minute of every game for Argentina.

In July 2007, Masche scored his first two goals for the senior Argentina's team during the Copa América 2007 and was widely selected as the best Argentine player in a squad full of stars.[33]

[edit] Honours

Olympic medal record
Men's Football
Gold 2004 Athens Team

[edit] Club

[edit] Country

[edit] References

  1. ^ Juventus near to Mascherano deal. channel4.com (2006-12-27). Retrieved on 2007-03-04.
  2. ^ Tevez-Mascherano: "Enfrentar a River, para nosotros es algo distinto". Clarín (Spanish). Retrieved on 2007-04-28.
  3. ^ Player profile - Javier Mascherano. SkySports.com. Retrieved on 2007-03-04.
  4. ^ Injury jinx hits Argentina. FIFAWorldCup.yahoo.com (2005-09-28). Retrieved on 2007-03-15.
  5. ^ Argentine players injured. Clarín (Spanish). Retrieved on 2007-03-15.
  6. ^ Operation Ok. GloboEsporte.com (Portuguese) (2005-09-18). Retrieved on 2007-03-15. (Translation)
  7. ^ Out for the rest of 2005. terra.com (Spanish) (2005-09-15). Retrieved on 2007-03-15.
  8. ^ Mascherano returns on 5th March. Olé (Spanish) (2006-02-21). Retrieved on 2007-03-15.
  9. ^ Argentine star rules out exit. SkySports.com (2006-08-02). Retrieved on 2007-03-04.
  10. ^ Hammers complete huge coup. SkySports.com (2006-08-31). Retrieved on 2007-03-04.
  11. ^ Eyebrows raised at deal shrouded in mystery. The Guardian (2006-09-01). Retrieved on 2007-04-28.
  12. ^ Third-party deals that landed West Ham in the mire. The Guardian (2007-04-28). Retrieved on 2007-04-28.
  13. ^ Argentines urged to quit West Ham. BBC Sport (2006-10-05). Retrieved on 2007-03-04.
  14. ^ Liverpool make Mascherano request. BBC Sport (16 January 2007). Retrieved on 2007-03-05.
  15. ^ Liverpool cleared to sign Mascherano. The Guardian (31 January 2007). Retrieved on 2007-03-05.
  16. ^ New twist in Mascherano transfer. BBC Sport (2007-02-01). Retrieved on 2007-03-05.
  17. ^ Hammers charged by Premier League. BBC Sport (2007-03-02). Retrieved on 2007-03-05.
  18. ^ West Ham handed record £5.5m fine. BBC Sport (2007-04-27). Retrieved on 2007-04-27.
  19. ^ Mascherano free to join Liverpool. BBC Sport (2007-02-20). Retrieved on 2007-03-05.
  20. ^ Liverpool 4-0 Sheffield United. LiverpoolFC.tv (2007-02-26). Retrieved on 2007-03-05.
  21. ^ Rafa encouraged by talks. SkySports.com (2007-04-03). Retrieved on 2007-04-04.
  22. ^ Mascherano voted fans star man v Milan. liverpoolfc.tv (2007-05-26). Retrieved on 2007-05-26.
  23. ^ "Mascherano signs Liverpool deal", BBC Sport, 2008-02-29. Retrieved on 2008-02-29. 
  24. ^ "Liverpool complete £18.6m move for Mascherano", guardian.co.uk, 2008-02-29. Retrieved on 2008-02-29. 
  25. ^ Rafa: Masch Goal First Of Many
  26. ^ Bevan, Chris. "Man Utd 3-0 Liverpool", BBC Sport, 2008-03-23. Retrieved on 2008-03-23. 
  27. ^ "Mascherano Charged With Improper Conduct", Fifa.com, 26 March 2008. Retrieved on 2008-04-12. 
  28. ^ "Mascherano admits improper conduct charge", Fifa.com, 28 March 2008. Retrieved on 2008-04-12. 
  29. ^ "Mascherano appeal rejected", Fifa.com, 10 April 2008 -. Retrieved on 2008-04-12. 
  30. ^ "Liverpool appeal Mascherano's extended ban", Fifa.com, 4-04-2008. Retrieved on 2008-04-12. 
  31. ^ Argentina player profile - 8 Javier Mascherano. FIFAWorldCup.yahoo.com. Retrieved on 2007-03-04.
  32. ^ a b Player to Watch: Mascherano making waves in Argentina. FIFAWorldCup.yahoo.com (2004-09-27). Retrieved on 2007-03-04.
  33. ^ Jefe y patrón (spanish)

[edit] External links

 
Javier Mascherano international tournaments
v • d • e
Argentina squad - 2004 Copa América
1 Abbondanzieri • 2 Ayala • 3 Sorín • 4 Quiroga • 5 Mascherano • 6 Heinze • 7 Saviola • 8 Zanetti • 9 Figueroa • 10 D'Alessandro • 11 Tévez • 12 Cavallero • 13 Placente • 14 Rodriguez • 15 Fernández • 16 L.González • 17 M.González • 18 K.González • 19 Delgado • 20 Medina • 21 Rosales • 22 Coloccini • Coach: Bielsa
 Flag of Argentina
v • d • e
Argentina squad - 2006 FIFA World Cup
1 Abbondanzieri • 2 Ayala • 3 Sorín • 4 Coloccini • 5 Cambiasso • 6 Heinze • 7 Saviola • 8 Mascherano • 9 Crespo • 10 Riquelme • 11 Tévez • 12 Franco • 13 Scaloni • 14 Palacio • 15 Milito • 16 Aimar • 17 Cufré • 18 Rodríguez • 19 Messi • 20 Cruz • 21 Burdisso • 22 González • 23 Ustari • Coach: Pekerman
 Flag of Argentina
v • d • e
Argentina squad - 2007 Copa América
1 Abbondanzieri • 2 Ayala • 3 Díaz • 4 Ibarra • 5 Gago • 6 Heinze • 7 Palacio • 8 Zanetti • 9 Crespo • 10 Riquelme • 11 Tévez • 12 Carrizo • 13 González • 14 Mascherano • 15 G.Milito • 16 Aimar • 17 Burdisso • 18 Messi • 19 Cambiasso • 20 Verón • 21 D.Milito • 22 Orión • Coach: Basile
 Flag of Argentina
v • d • e
Liverpool F.C. – current squad

3 Finnan • 4 Hyypia • 5 Agger • 6 Riise • 8 Gerrard • 9 Torres • 10 Voronin • 11 Benayoun • 12 F. Aurélio • 14 Alonso • 15 Crouch • 16 Pennant • 17 Arbeloa • 18 Kuyt • 19 Babel • 20 Mascherano • 21 Lucas • 23 Carragher • 25 Reina • 26 Carson • 30 Itandje • 33 Leto • 34 Spearing • 35 Putterill • 36 Flynn • 37 Škrtel • 38 Lindfield • 39 Darby • 40 Martin • 42 El Zhar • 44 Threlfall • 45 San José • 46 Hobbs • 47 Plessis • 48 Insúa • –– Degen • Manager: Benítez


Persondata
NAME Mascherano, Javier Alejandro
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Mascherano, Javier
SHORT DESCRIPTION footballer
DATE OF BIRTH 1984-6-8
PLACE OF BIRTH San Lorenzo, Argentina
DATE OF DEATH
PLACE OF DEATH