Speaking to Argentinian outlet Ole, former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano has discussed working under Marcelo Bielsa for the Argentina national team and has labelled him one of the best coaches he ever learned from.

The midfielder was still a young footballer when Bielsa took him into the national team set-up and it is clear that the former West Ham man enjoyed his time learning from the legendary coach - though he wishes he had been a bit older to really get every last bit out of the experience.

Mascherano said:

“Surely he is among the best I have ever had.

"The problem is that I had Marcelo at a very young age and when you are so young you can retain little.

"I would have liked to have had him much more mature.

"My consideration for a coach who bet on me without having made his debut in a first-team is very high. I hold Marcelo in very high esteem."

The Verdict

The midfielder had a top career, playing for Liverpool and then Barcelona where he racked up the trophies.

He's played under some great managers, then, and it is clear Bielsa is one of them despite being in his early years as a player when being called up to the national team.

Leeds fans are regularly reminded of how good Bielsa is as a coach and when big stars like Mascherano make such comments they're bound to be pleased.