Mascherano is no stranger to tough situations. Earlier this season his country were facing the humiliation of not qualifying for next summer’s World Cup finals before they fought back to secure their passage to South Africa in dramatic fashion.

The tough-tackling midfielder, who starred in the win against Wigan, wants Liverpool to show the same kind of battling qualities.

“I have spoken a lot with the manager about that situation,” he said.

“The pressure with Argentina to put them in the World Cup was worse, not because it is my country and Liverpool is my club. Here you have a little bit more time to do the right things.

“We know that we have to keep winning if we want to be in the top four but we have a game every week.

“In Argentina, I would go for two games then have three or four months to wait for the next one to put it right. It has been good to have that experience.

“I’m always trying to give my best. Sometimes I can do well, sometimes I can’t.

“There is not one player in the world who can play every game in top form. But I am happy as I am feeling good and my fitness is good. When I feel good physically I can do my job.”

With tomorrow’s trip to Pompey followed by a home clash with Wolves on Boxing Day, Liverpool have the ideal chance to gain some momentum.

Mascherano believes the return to fitness of Fernando Torres could prove crucial over the festive period.

The Spaniard celebrated his 100th appearance for the club in style with his 61st goal in the win against Wigan.

He needs just one more league goal to reach a half-century of strikes quicker than any player in Liverpool’s history.

“It is so important for us that Fernando stays fit,” Mascherano said.

“We know that we can win games when he is not playing but, equally, when he is on the pitch, you can see the respect that other teams give him.

He causes them so many problems. With Fernando and Stevie (Gerrard) on the pitch, we know that there is always a chance something special can happen. It is so good for our team and the confidence they give us.

“When they are not in the squad, others have to do their job and David Ngog has been doing his job really well.

“But the key players are the key players and you cannot change that. We need to keep the key players fit for the rest of the season.”