Benitez: Mascherano deserves credit

Liverpool Boss Rafael Benitez says new signing Javier Mascherano deserves credit after Liverpool beat Middlesbrough 2-0 in midweek.

Masherano signed from West Ham, on an 18 month loan, after not getting a chance to show what he is capable of, and their loss has been our gain, as he has put in a string of fine performances, and has become a new favourite at Anfield. Yesterday, when him and Gerrard came to warm up infront of the Kop, Gerrard got the usual round of applause, and his song was blasted out, then Mascherano came, but he got a standing ovation and loads of cheers, much to his delight, hes finally at a place where hes appreciated.

Benitez spoke about Mascherano after the game on wednesday : "When you play alongside Gerrard, it's normal that the other players don't get the same credit, but it's important for me as a manager, and the rest of the team, to know that these players are always there and will be important.

"People will always talk about Steven Gerrard, especially when he plays well and scores two goals, but I think that Mascherano was amazing against Middlesbrough."