Rafa Benitez believes midfielder Javier Mascherano can inspire Liverpool to fourth place in the Barclays Premier League at the expense of Manchester City. The Reds and City are locked together on 44 points in the league table, but with City having two games in hand.
But Benitez reckons the form Mascherano has shown since returning from a knee injury last month can convince the rest of the Liverpool squad that finishing fourth is still in their grasp.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool clash at City next weekend, the Liverpool boss said: "Javier is showing on the pitch why he is the captain of Argentina. He is someone who has a very good character, he is very positive and can inspire those around him.
"He is setting an example to the rest of the team. I am really pleased with the way all of them are playing at the minute but Javier is a player who is doing really well for us.
"Look at the derby. He played in a different position (right-back) but he still managed to have a massive impact and everyone can see there is a big difference in what he is doing now."
