Javier Mascherano Biography

Javier Alejandro Mascherano (Spanish pronunciation: [xaˈβjer mastʃeˈɾano], locally [matʃeˈɾano]; born 8 June 1984) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder or centre-back for Chinese club Hebei China Fortune and the Argentina national team. Nicknamed "El Jefecito" ("The Little Chief"), Mascherano is a versatile and tactically intelligent footballer, with an excellent ability to read the game and organise his team; he is known in particular for his leadership skills, passing accuracy, tough marking of opponents, and hard-tackling style of play.