Ballon d'Or 2015 Predictions: Why Javier Mascherano Could Win Award

By David Salazar First Posted: Nov 21, 2014 02:00 PM EST

When one thinks of the Argentina national team, the names that usually come up include Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain.

One name that will occasionally get mentioned is Javier Mascherano, but more often than not people, forget about the important defensive midfielder. In some ways, he is the most essential player on Argentina and his inclusion on the Ballon d'Or shortlist is well deserved.

But can he win it all?

Top Moment

Entering the World Cup, there was no doubt who would be Argentina's leader: Messi. And in the early group stages, the Barcelonian was the offensive leader for the Albiceleste.

However, there was an issue. For all of its attacking talents, Barcelona looked increasingly weak on the backend. Bosnia and Herzegovina could have scored more with a bit more aggressive attacking. Iran missed some key chances to defeat the South Americans, and Nigeria eventually put two past Messi's side.

This was an issue that everyone knew about heading into the tournament and the question remained about how the team would deal with it.

Enter Mascherano, whose sound defensive play and leadership helped the team straighten the defensive ship. Argentina's attacking flair slowly diminished as the tournament developed, but there was no longer doubt that the defense was on the rise. Argentina did not allow a goal for three straight knockout games and retained a clean sheet until the dying minutes of the final's extra period.

Coincidentally, as Argentina's defensive game blossomed, Mascherano's presence became every apparent. He was a huge reason why Arjen Robben, the best player in the tournament, was shut down in the semifinal.

How good was his tournament? He put up 2.6 interceptions per game. He had 4.3 tackles per game and he also averaged 1.9 clearances per match.

Low Point

Despite a tremendous World Cup in which he became Argentina's true leader, Mascherano did not get a chance to hold the trophy.

In fact, he did not hold a single trophy in 2014. His Barcelona side lost the Champions League, the Copa del Rey Final and even the Spanish League title in its final match of the year.

It has not helped that he is repeatedly used out of position. A natural defensive midfielder (and a great one at that), Mascherano has been used as a central defender for his club. He has never really been at his best in that position and repeatedly struggles in big games.

Why He Will Win It

He transformed into a terrific leader while his countrymen struggled. He imbued those around him with defensive composure that no one thought was possible for Argentina.

Why He Will Not Win It

It comes down to one word: goals. Mascherano has none.

Ever.

It is simply not a part of his game. He plays a sound defensive game, but that's something that, unfortunately, never merits the big individual prize.

There are only two natural defenders among the nominees and the only other defensive midfielder included on the shortlist is Bastian Schweinsteiger, who won the World Cup. That alone put Mascherano behind the eight ball.

It also does not help that he is constantly overshadowed by another famous Argentine (Messi).