Javier Mascherano is an enigma. He obviously has enjoyed playing for Liverpool and minus a few games at the start of last season he has always done the club proud. His performance against Arsenal was a perfect game for him to show that he is clearly one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. He had stated, prior to this game that he wanted to leave, but he still came out and performed brilliantly. As a matter of fact he was my man of the match in the game.

Then hours before the Man City game he decides to go on strike ( as the papers report). Regardless of whether he did or did not Hodgson said his mind was not on the game. Clearly Liverpool needed him against City. I understand he wants a move for his family but surely he must understand that football is a business and that we paid £18 million for a player that was not the Argentina captain and was not getting a game for West Ham.

Now he is the captain of Argentina and has become a high profile player for Liverpool, all because of our club, supporters and ex manager. How can Masch think that his value is worth less then it was now? If Barca or Inter are not willing to pay £20-25 million (which I think is actually way under his value) we should not let him go. Let's not forget that just a year ago our ex manager said he was worth £50 million!

If we can't get a deal done we should force Masch to see out his contract. If he is so desperate to leave he should pay up the difference in what Barca/Inter are asking for! I'm sure he has the money! If Masch doesn't want to play for us then we should continue to fine him throughout the season. That way we don't have to pay his wages. Either way Liverpool must stand firm on this or else player power wins out.

I don't want to say that I will never forgive Masch but if he does put on a red shirt again it will take months of good performances for me to get over it. He has also insured a frosty reception if he ever returns to Anfield again (which looks unlikely given our current direction).