A Progress Report on the Form of Barcelona's Javier Mascherano

Javier Mascherano is that rarest of commodities in modern football.

An exemplar in both attitude and ability, the Argentine always gives of his best and rarely, if ever, finds himself at the centre of controversy.

A spectacular World Cup for losing finalists Argentina should have at least provided some professional reward. It was clear to anyone watching that El Jeficito was the player of the tournament, not his colleague Lionel Messi.

The image of him conducting the captain's team talk in the semi-final against Holland taught us much about his character and how well respected he is as a football player.

Marcela Mora y Araujo noted in the Guardian upon Mascherano and Carlos Tevez's return to Upton Park:

"

Mascherano, by contrast, comes as the veteran, visionary hero of Argentina’s World Cup campaign.

His honesty, his tears and his leadership made him the darling of Argentina – pragmatic, cerebral and as far removed from controversy as is possible.

"

It's a perfect description which extends to club level.

A "Mr. Dependable" for the ages, Javier Mascherano hasn't made more than 200 appearances for the Blaugrana by accident. Barcelona's official website details games played and trophies won during his time in Catalonia.

The timing in his tackles this season has been immaculate. An average of 3.9 per match per WhoScored.com, is the most in the team—yes, even higher than Sergio Busquets.

An average of pass accuracy at 92.4 percent across La Liga and the Champions League is also amongst the best in the squad, and it's Mascherano's best return of his career, per WhoScored.

An incredible will to win has been undeniable. No matter the opposition, Mascherano has continued to provide the highest level of service without the need for prompting from the sidelines.

A total of 16 appearances this term has seen 11 played in his usual central defensive role and five more in a preferred defensive midfield slot.

Just two yellow cards since an opening-day red is also a huge improvement on the previous four seasons.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

If tangible reward were needed to affirm just how well Mascherano has played this season, and the latter half of the last campaign, it came in the way of Barcelona's Player of the Year accolade.

Lionel Messi, the winner in three of the last four seasons, was beaten to first place by his countryman, and club president Josep Maria Bartomeu couldn't have been more proud. Jonny Singer of the Daily Mail noted Bartomeu's comments to Barca's official website:

"

I was part of the jury that chose Javier Mascherano. And I have to tell you, Javier, that there was quite some debate at first.

But when your name came up, the response was unanimous and so this a very well deserved prize.

It's an honour for Barca to have a player like you.

"

The feeling was reciprocal, Mascherano responding:

"

I thank all of you who voted for me to receive this prize. 

We'll try to continue doing things as well as we have until now, with the same dedication while trying to stay faithful to what a club like this demands, which is a lot.

"

The award is voted for by the Catalan media and high-ranking club officials and shows the esteem in which Mascherano is held.

Luis Enrique is the fourth manager to benefit from his services, and the fact that all but two of his appearances have seen him play the full 90 minutes speaks volumes.

The two games that were not completed were the opener against Elche due to his sending off and his return against Athletic Bilbao because of a nasty bang on the head.

Ever since, he's played in every minute of every game that he's been selected for. That's because his form has continued to be unquestionably good.

One of the players of the season so far.