Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano says he's proud to be with the club this season.

The former Liverpool ace admits he is surprised by the quality of the club's junior players, who turned it on this week against Rubin Kazan.

"Being part of this club, I am proud as a player," said Mascherano.

"The way they back their youth players is ideal. It's the model everyone aspires to and makes you proud to be part of it."

 Click here for the best Barcelona coverage on the 'net. All your Barca news and gossip in one spot.