During Liverpool's aforementioned impressive Champions League form in the late 00s, Benitez had Europe's most complete midfield at his disposal. While Gerrard was arguably the best central midfielder on the planet at the time, and Xabi Alonso was exceptional in the playmaker role, Mascherano was almost just as important to the team. He was a wonderful player for the Reds during his relatively short time at the club between 2007 and 2010, cementing his place as one of Europe's most respected defensive midfielders. He read the game to perfection, won countless tackles, inspired others around him and was hugely popular with the supporters. With Benitez having left in the summer of 2010, Mascherano's future immediately became headline news. Barcelona came in for the Argentina star, and although he was desperate for the move, Hodgson should have done everything humanly possible to keep him at the club. He didn't, and the then 26-year-old joined the Catalan giants for a fee of almost £20m. Since then he has shone at Camp Nou, and been one of the standout players at this summer's World Cup in Brazil. He has never been replaced at Liverpool.
