Macsherano key to Barcelona?

Javier still wasn't sure about Messi's new hairdo

One of the key points to come out of the news around Barca was the importance of Javier Mascherano to the team. Terry Gibson has commented as such in his Sky roundup and I would tend to agree. To be honest I think that's been the case for a while - he allows the others like Messi to play knowing he's behind them to mop up if they lose it.

The particular relevance as pointed out by Gibson right now is that, due to a formation change, he becomes even more essential. It looks as though the Blaugrana have gone 4-4-2 recently which has meant that the other defensive bedrock of the team, Sergio Busquets, hasn't been as reliable. 2 in the middle rather than 3 means he has more ground to cover which isn't his strong suit.

It remains to be seen whether Luis Enrique carries on with this formation or reverts back to a 5 man midfield, meaning Busquets would have two other people to do his running again. It's either that or get him a Segueway.

Mascherano is definitely one of the main players for them though so here's hoping he stays fit and stays in form.

Busquets struggled to contain the break from midfield