Football FanCast columnist Davis Lowe feels that in Javier Mascherano, Rafa Benitez finally has the catalyst that can drive Liverpool towards a title.

Didier Deschamps was famously one dubbed as nothing but a ‘water carrier' by the irrepressible Eric Cantona. Not quite the most flattering of compliments that the former French and Juventus Captain ever received throughout his career, but has ever the defensive midfield role won its plaudits? It is a dirty job and someone has to do it and I bet if you asked Zinedine Zidane what he thought of his club and country sidekick, then you will get a somewhat different response.

Of course Deschamps was first of his kind and he highlighted, before Makelele, the importance of the role within the modern game. You look at any successful team in the last 10yrs and you can guarantee that it is built around a player of that ilk. United had Keane, Milan had Gattuso and of course Makelele showed it for both Madrid and Chelsea. Top ones are a rare commodity in football and if you get one, then don't lose them and after years of looking and many poor attempts at filling it, (Sissoko anyone?) Rafa finally found Javier Mascherano, who is slowly proving, alongside Torres as the finest bit of business that Benitez has carried out at Anfield.

The Argentinean has been an absolute revelation at Liverpool and for me is the reason for the Reds upturn in fortunes this calendar year. He is the engine of this team, the catalyst and his presence in the midfield not only provides that defensive barrier, but allows Benitez to be offensive with the rest of his selections. Liverpool finally look a side capable of winning a title and this is down in part to Javier's importance to the centre midfield. You only had to look at the Reds performance in the opening three games to see how un-assured they were without their engine in midfield. He simply makes them tick and is the heartbeat of this new leaner and meaner Liverpool side and is the sole reason why Benitez's side can go on and win the title this season. Torres and Gerrard are fantastic individually, but they wouldn't be half as effective or play with such a freedom if the Argentinean wasn't pulling the strings behind them.

It is hard to believe looking back that it was the finding the £18m to purchase Mascherano is what caused the fall-out between Rafa in the board back in November - in my opinion it's the most important bit of money they have ever spent.

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