MX23RW : Thursday, December 19 13:41:08| >> :600:1721054:1721054:

Diego Simeone hails Javier Mascherano influence

Former Argentina midfielder Diego Simeone praises Javier Mascherano for the leadership qualities that he has shown so far at the World Cup.

Former Argentina midfielder Diego Simeone has praised Javier Mascherano for his leadership qualities ahead of the World Cup final.

Mascherano, 30, has played a key role in the centre of the pitch for the South Americans so far at the tournament, helping them to reach their first final in 24 years.

While Lionel Messi is the official captain for the team, Simeone believes that Mascherano has provided an important presence for them during the tournament.

"He may not be the captain, but leaders don't need an armband to mark their leadership and Mascherano has shown that wherever he has played – that human strength and the kind of player he is," Simeone told Goal.com.

Mascherano has scored three goals in 104 appearances for the Argentine national team following his debut back in 2003.

ID:164702: cacheID:164702:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1573:
Written by
Jack Prescott
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Argentina's forward and captain Lionel Messi celebrates scoring during the Group F football match between Argentina and Iran at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil on June 21, 2014
Read Next:
Preview: World Cup final: Germany vs. Argentina
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea16104237191834
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Bournemouth167452421325
7Aston Villa167452425-125
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
11Brentford167273230223
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham165472129-819
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1612131136-255


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!