Javier Mascherano insists he is not about to start a run of goalscoring at Liverpool.
Midfielder warns fans not to expect a goalscoring run
Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano insists he is not about to start rivalling Fernando Torres in the goalscoring stakes at Anfield.
Mascherano was on target for the Reds in their 2-1 win over Reading on Saturday and the goal marked the Argentinian's first in England.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has revealed he has been encouraging Mascherano - who has netted only 11 career goals in spells with Corinthians, River Plate and West Ham - to increase his scoring tally, but the holding midfielder has warned Reds followers not to start to expect a glut of net busters.
"I think the manager was joking," said Mascherano when asked about Benitez's encouragement.
Balance
"It would be nice to score more goals but I don't think there are many holding midfielders who score lots of goals.
"In this position you have to play deep and try to keep the balance of the team and that is the most important thing for me.
"I will try to score more goals but I know that I have to do my own job first."
However, Mascherano - who recently agreed a permanent £18.6million deal on Merseyside after a lengthy loan stint - admits he did enjoy equalising for Liverpool by beating Reading goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann from 25 yards.
Incredible
"It was an incredible moment," added Mascherano.
"I had not scored a goal since I was at River Plate, so to score one for Liverpool - and in front of the Kop as well - was really special.
"I cannot really describe the feeling but I know I celebrated like I had gone crazy.
"Some of the lads in the dressing room said I was like (Filippo) Inzaghi in the Champions League final!
"It just meant so much to me and it was important also for the team because we had just gone a goal behind."
