Liverpool's Javier Mascherano believes the squad will be better for the experiences of this season in which they finished runner-up to Manchester United in the league.

Points dropped against lesser-likes, home draws and big away wins were all part of the Reds this term but Mascherano is under the impression that these results will bode well for the future.

"It would have been much better for us to win the title, but it is good for us to know what it takes to try and win the league," he told the club's official website.

"We have drawn a lot of games at home against some of the clubs outside the top four and we know this is an area we must improve next season.

"This season has been a bit strange. We have done really well against all the top teams but have sometimes struggled to beat the others.

"You win the league when you beat all the teams, the bigger ones and the smaller ones.

"But this season we went to Stamford Bridge, the Bernabeu and Old Trafford and won. This is very positive for the future.

"This team is now showing we can win anywhere, but we need to get the balance right for next season."