Javier Mascherano made his 264th appearance for FC Barcelona against Celta on Sunday night, thus drawing level with the ‘hero of Wembley 1992’, Ronald Koeman, as he rises up the list of the foreigners with the most games for Barça.
In five seasons at the club, the Argentinian has won 15 major trophies, compared to the Dutchman’s 12, including two Champions Leagues, three Ligas and two Club World Cups.
Mascherano came to Barcelona from Liverpool in 2010, originally as a defensive midfielder, although at Barça he was used more and more as a central defender, and that eventually became his most regular position, the same as Koeman. Both players have also worn the captain’s armband,
Cocu next
If he plays on Wednesday against Sporting Gijón, Mascherano will edge ahead of Koeman to 265 games. The next player on the list is also from Holland, Cocu, who has played 292 times for FCB, the second highest number ever for a foreign import.
