What a carry on for Javier

After all, the Argentine who arrived at West Ham in a shock deal with countryman Carlos Tevez, has undergone a remarkable turnaround in fortunes during a roller-coaster first season in the Premiership.

Pushing clear: Mark Gonzalez (right) hands off Reading's Brynjar Gunnarsson

Frozen out at Upton Park following the arrival of new boss Alan Curbishley, Mascherano now revels in demonstrating the ability which recently prompted manger Rafa Benitez to describe him as 'a monster of a player'.

But after yet another assured midfield display in Liverpool's hard-fought away win at Reading, the softly spoken Mascherano concentrated on the fact he is now at a club where his talents are appreciated, rather than sniping at West Ham's expense.

"All of that is in the past," insisted Mascherano, speaking for the first time since his move to Anfield in January.

"Now I am just trying to do well with Liverpool. When I was at West Ham I always tried my hardest but perhaps things didn't turn out the way I would have liked.

"Luckily, here at Liverpool there are some great players. When you are playing with such great players you really enjoy it. The truth is I am very happy with Liverpool. Everybody is treating me very well and I hope it continues like that."

The inference is, of course, that Mascherano was unhappy at his treatment at Upton Park.

But perhaps out of a sense of loyalty to his good friend Tevez, who has been instrumental in West Ham's bid to beat the drop, Mascherano chose to avoid wishing ill on his former employers.

"I am still in contact with him (Tevez). He is playing now and he is feeling a lot happier. Luckily both of us are enjoying ourselves a lot more," said Mascherano.

Of far more concern to the midfielder is how he is performing his marshalling duties on the pitch for Liverpool, a role which has earned him comparison with the universally accepted master of the art, Claude Makelele.

Those traits were in evidence again against Reading who, after losing their way in the first half following Alvaro Arbeloa's coolly-taken first goal for his new club, launched a concerted comeback attempt after the break - sparked by Brynjar Gunnarsson's strike - only to lose out to a late winner from substitute Dirk Kuyt.

Mascherano is a clearly a fan of Makelele's abilities and is eager to emulate the Chelsea midfielder's successful transition to the Premiership.

And like Makelele, he is equally content in the specialised 'water carrier' role.

"For me, in that role he is the best there is," said Mascherano of Makelele. "I love to watch him play. He has done so many things with Real Madrid and Chelsea, won so many titles. Hopefully, I can get to that level."

Benitez certainly believes Mascherano has the qualities to become Liverpool's Makelele. And the Spanish boss was quick to praise his latest recruit, who has helped ease the pressure on Liverpool's midfield at a crucial stage of the season.

His presence allowed the Spanish coach to rest Xabi Alonso against Reading ahead of the return against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday, despite the 3-0 advantage from the away leg.

"He [Mascherano] is playing really well," purred Benitez. "Passing and moving the ball, keeping the ball in the position, also tactically. He is a player with a lot of experience. He is 22 years old but he has 22 caps for Argentina."

Reading boss Steve Coppell admitted that an absence of such luxuries among his playing staff, coupled with an over-emphasis on attack in their first ever home meeting against Liverpool, had cost his side a point.

"A victory is a victory, you go for a victory," insisted Coppell. "Liverpool are certainly looking very good at the moment. Realistically, given the size of the clubs, their reserves should beat us."

Having played four consecutive first-team games for Liverpool, such dark days in West Ham's second string are already a distant memory for Mascherano.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WATCH

Dutch champions PSV need a miracle at Anfield on Wednesday, where they trail 3-0, and their domestic lead is vanishing, too, after Saturday's 2-1 defeat at NEC Nijmegen, despite a Phillip Cocu goal. Sky Sports 1 from 7pm (kick-off 7.45)