Javier Mascherano was signed as a defensive central midfield option .
Injuries to Eric Abidal , Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique forced the Argentine into a role in the heart of defence , a transformation that is nigh on complete .
Although Javier Mascherano was signed as a defensive central midfield option , injuries to Eric Abidal , Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique forced the Argentine into a role in the heart of defence , a transformation that is nigh on complete .