Pfff, imagine if he was British instead of Argentinian. Defensive midfielder, gritty, likes a tackle, does his best work as a destroyer and shield for the back four... his name would be dirt. Forget the reading of the game, the composure, the distribution from the back... 'typical, any English player who can pass even a bit and suddenly they're world class.' But Argentinian, and everyone gives themselves permission to notice and appreciate all that stuff.
Fletch in 2008 and 2009 was as good as Mascherano has ever been. Few non-United fans will agree, because as aforementioned he's hardly a sexy player, and not one many will have actually paid proper attention to. Wenger's hilarious 'anti football' rant in 09 sums that up.