3. Javier Mascherano
A vital part of the last Liverpool side to genuinely challenge for the title in 2008/9 Javier Mascherano was one of the few real world class players the Merseyside club have been able to feature in recent years. Forming an imposing midfield triumvirite with Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard the Argentinian midfield destroyer was voted Liverpools man of the match in the 2007 Champions League final where he effectively stifled the creative talents of Kaka and Clafrence Seedorf despite the eventual 2-1 defeat. Mascherano has since moved to Spanish giants Barcelona widely regarded as the best side on the planet and has made 127 appearances all whilst adapting to a deeper role, often at the heart of the Catalan clubs defence. There are contrasting reports when it comes to the initial fee Liverpool paid for Macherano such was the complicated nature of the deal he had already played for two clubs that season and was part owned by agent Kia
Joorabchian. It is believed to
have been between £15 million-20 million which, whilst not being an absolute bargain proved well worth the investment for Liverpool, even allowing them to make a profit when moving him on to Barca.