Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez believes Javier Mascherano suffered a hangover from his Beijing Olympics campaign with Argentina.

"I think he is ready again after the Olympic Games," Benitez told liverpoolfc.tv.

"He said there was a difference and everyone could see that. But little by little he is getting better, the same as Ryan Babel. In training sessions you can see they, along with Fernando Torres and Martin Skrtel, are getting better.

"When I use Mascherano depends on the games. Xabi Alonso was playing well this season so you try to keep the balance, and sometimes if you need a more offensive midfielder you can use Lucas or Steven Gerrard.

"But Mascherano is the perfect man for giving balance to any team in the world.

"Javier has not spoken to me about not playing as much at home, he is a very good professional and he knows he just has to train well."