Mascherano struggles to adapt

Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano is struggling to adapt to life in La Liga following his £18 million move from Liverpool in the summer.

The former Anfield enforcer pressed hard to engineer his move to the Nou Camp last month but according to various reports in Spain, the Argentine is yet to impress his new employers and the general consensus is that Sergio Busquets should be favoured over the 26-year-old.

The tough tackling former Premier League star made an inauspicious start for Barcelona, making his debut during the club's first home league defeat in 16-months against newly promoted Hercules. The midfielder was substituted at half-time due to a tactical change by Guardiola, but El Mundo Deportivo suggest the club are concerned by Mascherano's struggles. 

Guardiola and his management team are confident the player will eventually find his feet in La Liga but Mascherano has laboured since his arrival, and Barcelona have subsequently accepted the midfielder will take time to adjust.

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