Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is adamant that Javier Mascherano will still be an integral piece of the Anfield jigsaw in the upcoming season.

By Kelvin Leong

Speaking at a press conference in Singapore, Benitez was his usual eloquent self as he went about answering the many questions thrown his way by the media.

First up was a question regarding the Reds' poor pre-season results thus far (two draws and one loss), to which he confidently responded: "I think we are doing well. Its very difficult as a lot of players have been away.

"We have only had a few days training so you cannot say its bad.

"We should analyse the team in two more weeks since some players have only been back in the last three days and it is impossible to work on anything."

The Spaniard then sent the attending media into fits of laughter when he was asked if Fernando Torres will be featuring for more than the 10 minutes he did against Thailand in Bangkok.

"Yes, more than 10 minutes. Maybe 11 or 12! It is key. We have to train now and we will have two or three training sessions here so we will see.

"They both (Torres and Benayoun) are fit, Yossi will pass and Torres will score!", he quipped.

But the crucial highlight of the press conference was when a question with regards to Argentine midfielder, Javier Mascherano's future was thrown Benitez's way.

He retorted: "You have to know that nowadays, there are too many media people who have to complete their work everyday. So sometimes you read news that is 15 days ago.

"More or less it's the same situation, he (Mascherano) knows our ideas, he worked hard in Thailand and he had the armband, so he knows he is important to the club."

Mascherano came on in the second-half against Thailand with Jamie Carragher coming off.

The Argentine hard-man was given the captain's armband and was greeted by a series of cheers around the stadium.

And if Benitez's words are for real, it could be the players and manager's way of telling Mascherano how much they value him at the club.

Liverpool will be taking on a Singapore XI this coming Sunday at the Kallang National Stadium.