Hard work did it for me - Mascherano

BARCELONA - Javier Mascherano believes hard work rather than talent has made him a crucial player for Barcelona.

The team aim to finish the year on a high by closing the gap on Real Madrid at the top of La Liga with a victory over Cordoba tomorrow.

From Pep Guardiola to Luis Enrique, all the coaches Mascherano has worked under during his four years at Barca have relied on his graft and discipline, and the King's Cup win over Huesca on Tuesday marked the Argentine's 200th appearance.

Real have a four-point lead over Barcelona, but while they are away looking to extend their winning run to 22 matches at the Club World Cup this weekend, the Catalan side can close the gap before the Christmas break.

"I've always identified myself as a worker," Mascherano told the club website.

"I am someone who perhaps wasn't born with the same talent as other top players but I put in a lot of hard work and that has taken me to where I am."

He said moving to Barca was the most important decision of his career.

Fixtures

TODAY

Celta Vigo v Almeria (9:45pm)

TOMORROW

Barcelona v Cordoba (5pm), Levante v Real Sociedad (7pm), Eibar v Valencia (9pm), Rayo Vallecano v Espanyol (11pm)

SUNDAY

Villarreal v Deportivo La Coruna (1pm), Granada v Getafe (6pm), Elche v Malaga (8pm), Athletic Club v Atletico Madrid (10pm).