A scruffy argentine, yesterday. Photograph: Tom Purslow/Man Utd via Getty Images
Richard Williams today heralds the signing of Javier Mascherano as Benitez’s masterstroke:
‘Most people would probably claim that Torres is the best of Benítez’s many expensive acquisitions, and the coltish striker is undoubtedly a wonderfully compelling performer who adds a sense of possibility to any match in which he takes part. But my choice would be Mascherano, a player who rose above a set of tangled transfer dealings and above the inability of his first English club to understand exactly what it is that he adds to a team. Benítez could see what Pardew failed to spot, and spent £18m on a player whose contribution is proving to be priceless.’
Williams’ assertion is complete bullshit and here’s why. A masterstroke is an action that enables you to fullfil your goal. Here’s an example: Cantona was Fergie‘s masterstroke in 1992-93 as it enabled him to win the league. Mascherano is not such a case, unless Rafa’s ambitions are limited to regular top four finishes and occasional cup finals. Labelling Mascherano as Rafa‘s masterstroke would be to suggest that he is the one player who has enabled the manager to realise his ambitions at Liverpool. Any Liverpool fan would desperately hope that, as of today at least, this is utter crap.
