Mascherano: Xavi, Puyol, Messi, and Iniesta are the emblems of Barcelona

Sep 29, 2012 7:50:00 AM

The Argentine believes those players are in a league of their own, while dismissing any suggestions of divisions within the squad

Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano has revealed his admiration for long-serving team-mates Xavi, Carles Puyol, Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta, before refuting any notions of a rift in the squad.

The Argentine joined the Blaugrana from Liverpool in 2010, and was largely expected to compete with Sergio Busquets for the holding midfield slot.

However, the 28-year old has since been converted to a central defensive berth where he has featured regularly, but he concedes he is still not a major player.

"Cases like Xavi, Puyol, Leo [Messi], and Iniesta are different [from the rest of the squad]," he told Sport Journal.

"They are the heart of this team, the most important.

"It's like a movie, [with major and lesser actors]. Everyone is needed, but they should know their place. I am happy with my position and do not intend to occupy a role more important than my current one."

The former Corinthians player went on to dismiss any suggestions of a feud between team-mates Messi and David Villa, who engaged in a heated argument during Barcelona's recent victory over Granada.

"When things aren't going the way we want them to, we each have different ways of reacting," the San Lorenzo native opined.

"It's been [blown out of proportion.] These are normal things."

Barcelona will look to maintain their perfect record in La Liga when they travel to Sevilla tonight.

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