Javier Mascherano says his fellow countryman Emiliano Insua will only improve with experience and says to expect great things from the Argentine left-back next season.

Speaking to LFC Magazine, Mascherano praised the 20-year-old’s determination to break into the first team despite competition from Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena.

He said, “He’s been doing well. Obviously he is a young player so can still improve and get better.

“It isn’t easy to be playing for the Liverpool first team at just 20-years-old. I’m really happy for him.”

Insua, singed from Boca Juniors in 2007, made 13 appearances for the Reds last season.

Mascherano added, “Emiliano didn’t play first-team football in Argentina, so to come here at such a young age and make the breakthrough is a great achievement.

“It would have been easier for him had he played first-team football in Argentina. Everything was new to Insua when he came here. But after just two years he is playing really well whenever he gets into the first team.”