He told the Daily Post: “It was very useful for me to speak with Rafa Benitez. He showed a great deal of interest in the way I play and that was very good to me because it made me feel confident.
“After three months without playing, a call from my new coach saying that he trusted me was the best thing that could happen to me. That’s what I needed.”
Mascherano added: “From not being taken into account in West Ham I’m now in a team that is at the top and that plays in the Champions League.
“I am aware that this is an important step in my life and that my career will depend on what will happen at Liverpool. This is an opportunity that I won’t waste.
“There are amazing players in Liverpool, like Gerrard, and that is why there is going to be great competition in order to play as a starter. I know that I’ll have to be in a very good shape, and that doesn’t scare me.”
