Mascherano in awe of Barca team-mates

Javier Mascherano has revealed his admiration for his long-serving Barcelona team-mates and refuted any notion of a rift in the squad.

Argentine Mascherano joined Barca from Liverpool in 2010, and was largely expected to compete with Sergio Busquets for the holding midfield slot.

However, the 28-year old has since been converted to a central defensive berth where he has featured regularly, but claims he is still not a major player compared to more illustrious colleagues.

“Cases like Xavi, (Carles) Puyol, Leo (Messi), and (Andres) Iniesta are different (from the rest of the squad),” he told Sport Journal.

“They are the heart of this team, the most important.

“It’s like a movie, (with major and lesser actors). Everyone is needed, but they should know their place. I am happy with my position and do not intend to occupy a role more important than my current one.”

The former Corinthians player went on to dismiss any suggestions of a feud between team-mates Messi and David Villa, who engaged in a heated argument during Barcelona’s recent victory over Granada.

“When things aren’t going the way we want them to, we each have different ways of reacting,” he said.

“It’s been (blown out of proportion). These are normal things.”

Barcelona will look to maintain their 100 percent record in La Liga this season when they travel to Sevilla tonight.