Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has praised holding midfielder Javier Mascherano, who is looking to seal a permanent move to Anfield.

The 23-year-old Argentina international arrived at the Merseyside club in January 2007 in an 18-month loan deal, and latest reports have suggested that a £18.6m deal for a four-year contract is imminent.

"Mascherano is playing well and everyone knows he is a good player and there are not too many world-class holding midfielders around,” said Benitez in the Liverpool Echo.

“He is very professional and his commitment is always fantastic so I am very pleased with him. He is always focused and looking to do things the right way for the team.

“It’s difficult to say if there is anyone better than him but we have to be pleased with him.

“He is a young player but he also has experience and enough quality to play in this position and he gives his team mates freedom going forward.

“If you think of Gerrard, for example, he knows that if he goes forward, Mascherano will be there, so he is a key player for us.

“He is like an insurance policy for us in this way.”