Pepe Reina believes that Javier Mascherano's departure has left Liverpool with a 'big problem'.
The tough-tackling midfielder sealed a dream move to Barcelona last week following a summer of uncertainty and hit out at his former employers for breaking promises and spreading "lies" about his family's unhappiness at life in England.
Reina, who faced Mascherano in Spain's 4-1 hammering by Argentina last night, feels that the 26-year-old's decision to move to the Nou Camp will benefit his new club but has left the Reds with cause for concern despite recruiting Christian Poulsen and Raul Meireles in the summer window.
He said: He said: "The departure of Mascherano is a big problem for Liverpool because he is one of the best players of his type on the pitch.
"Javier is very competitive, very Argentinian and he always offers his maximum in every game. For Barca this is a good new thing, but it's not for us.
"Mascherano will be a positive surprise in La Liga. He is a footballer who works, works and works. Also, personally, he is a good character. He is quiet but very friendly.
"He was not someone who got into controversy. He never caused rows in the dressing room. He was good on the pitch, broke up counter attacks and now we need other players with his characteristics."
Reina endured a night to forget in Buenos Aires as he conceded three of Spain's goals, slipping as he tried to clear his lines from the advancing Carlos Tevez.
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fabrizio, Italy around 1 year, 5 months ago