Javier Mascherano: Rafa Benitez 'lifted me out of a dark hole'

Current Barcelona star Javier Mascherano has bucked a popular trend of players criticizing Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez, instead showing praise for the man who managed him at Liverpool.

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Benitez brought the Argentine to Merseyside in 2007 following a frustrating spell with West Ham, where the versatile player made 139 appearances for the club before his departure in 2010.

Mascherano says he was at the "lowest point of my career" before Benitez pried him away from the Boleyn Ground, according to an interview with Panenka Magazine, via The Mirror.

"When you are doing well in this profession, you usually get offers from clubs or coaches looking to bolster their squads. Rafa Benitez, though, wanted me, and believed in me at the lowest point of my career. And he was asking me to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, Liverpool FC.

"From then on he became a very important person for me. Not only on a day-to-day basis but also for my future. And I hope I repaid him with my efforts."

Kind words for a boss that is often a lightning rod for criticism despite a resume littered with trophies at clubs like Valencia, Inter Milan, and Chelsea.

"When he coaches he always looks to get the best out of every player, like he did with me, something for which I will be eternally grateful," Mascherano continued.

His praise didn't end there, as the 117-time capped Argentine international's quotes are quite candid.

"Rafa Benitez lifted me out of a dark hole which at the time made me feel like I was 20 metres underground, and put me in a positive frame of mind," Mascherano revealed.

"Ever since I first played for him we have remained in touch. Most importantly he is a great person and a superb coach and with him you can learn a lot if that's what you really want."

Despite the complimentary remarks, Mascherano will be expected to set them aside for Barcelona's visit to Real Madrid on Nov. 22 for the latest installment of El Clasico.