FIVE Players who could replace Masch

With Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson confirming that midfielder Javier Mascherano wants to leave the club, I thought it might be interesting to look at some possible replacements for the Argentine.

Lassana Diarra – The former Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth midfielder’s future at Real Madrid looks uncertain. Jose Mourinho has an array of midfield talent at his disposal and it is questionable whether Diarra features in his plans. He spent the second half of last season mainly on the bench, and although there is a possibility that he will recover his first team place under Mourinho, it is likely that Real will listen to offers. Out of the five listed here, he would be my favourite to replace Mascherano if he was available. Firstly, he is 25 and has many years left ahead of him, and secondly, most importantly, he has abilities in both the attacking and defensive third. A solid tackler, Diarra also has a range of passing that will benefit any midfield. With the sale of Mascherano for a sizeable amount, Diarra’s transfer fee should not be a problem. The only small problem could be the revelation that he possesses asthenic syndrome, a type of sickle-cell anaemia which affects the shape of red blood cells. It was only discovered during altitude training for this year’s World Cup and he had to miss out on the tournament to recover. It shouldn’t have any long term affect on his career though.

Esteban Cambiasso – This is certainly a long shot this one, but if we were to do a deal with Inter Milan for Javier Mascherano, I don’t think it would hurt if Liverpool asked whether Cambiasso could be added as part of any deal. Although he wasn’t picked for the World Cup by Diego Maradona, the 29 year old had a superb campaign last season helping Inter to the treble. Like Diarra, he can be just as affective in the final third as in his defensive duties, tackling well in his holding midfield role while scoring a few important goals for his team. Most likely Inter will refuse to sell the player but it would be an excellent addition to the squad, if a deal was possible.

Ever Banega – The young Argentine has emerged to be a very effective midfielder over the past year for Valencia. Bought for a hefty €18million back in January 2008, the young player failed to settle in Spain in his first year and half, and became somewhat of a rebel with his constant breaches of discipline. He was loaned to Atletico Madrid for the 2008/09 season with an option to buy, but his indiscipline meant the Madrid declined to take up their option to purchase the player. Last summer was make or break for the player, and it was rumoured that he was to be loaned out to Everton. The player however knuckled down for pre-season training and proceeded to impress coach Unai Emery who included him in a Europa League match which made him cup tied for any other club. He became an important member of Valencia’s starting eleven last season, impressing greatly in a holding midfield. The player is however more similar to Xabi Alonso than Mascherano with his raking long diagonal balls and his ability to control the pace of play with his passing. He could be available quite cheaply though because of Valencia’s financial situation.

Scott Parker – The English option on the list, Roy Hodgson may opt for an Englishman to replace Mascherano in the squad and improve the squad’s home grown quota for the forthcoming season. Parker had an impressive season for West Ham last season as the London club struggled and Hammers co-chairman David Sullivan has said he would be the only player not up for sale this summer. It hasn’t stopped speculation that Roy maybe interested in the player. Like Banega though, Parker would not be a like for like replacement for Mascherano; he can play the holding midfield role but his strengths lie in passing and creating chances for others. He can tackle but he would not be a player who would solely be there to protect the back four from opposition attacks.

Christian Poulsen – Certainly the cheapest option on the list, Poulsen would be best described as solid if not spectacular. The central lynchpin of Sevilla’s two UEFA Cup triumphs, the Danish midfielder was transferred to Juventus two years ago. He has however struggled to hold down a first team place at the Italian club though as former red Momo Sissoko has more often than not taken his place. Recent speculation has suggested that Juve are prepared to offer cash plus Poulsen for Daniel Agger, but any such deal should be rejected in favour of a direct cash deal for Poulsen. Most likely available for £6million, Poulsen would be the option to go for if Roy is looking for a short term fix; somebody who is solid, reliable and could do a job for the team.

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