Ex-Liverpool star backs Man United flop to shine on Premier League return

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Javier Mascherano has argued that Radamel Falcao ought to be considered among the world’s best strikers, despite managing only four league goals last season.

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The Colombian forward flopped during his maiden season in the Premier League with Manchester United, struggling with injury and taking his time to adapt to a new division and a new country.

His expensive loan deal at Old Trafford from AS Monaco produced only 14 league starts, while his contribution of four goals and four assists in a combined 26 league performances dissuaded Louis van Gaal from making his move a permanent one [Mirror].

However, the forward looks set for an unlikely reprieve, having caught the eye of Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.

The Metro suggest that the Pensioners are on the verge of securing their own move for the Colombia hitman, who is set to move to Stamford Bridge on another season-long loan deal.

While Blues fans have every right to feel apprehensive about the ex-FC Porto striker’s return to the Premier League, Barcelona’s Javier Mascherano is confident that the 29-year-old will rediscover the form that made him one of the most-feared forwards in the world.

“I have not only played against Radamel Falcao, but in the same team as him with River Plate, I know him very well,” Mascherano began, speaking to reporters ahead of Argentina’s Copa America quarter-final against Colombia [via FourFourTwo].

“Obviously, he is a player with a a very important role. He is still missing some continuity after a very serious injury. He tried his best to be able to play the World Cup but he could not.”

Upon leaving Old Trafford, Falcao expressed his frustration at not having been given a fair crack of the whip in Manchester, and Masch—who played for United’s rivals Liverpool between 2007 and 2010—believes that in the right circumstances, the forward will prove himself to be one of the world’s best once more.

“After this, the most important thing is to play a lot of minutes and, for different circumstances, he could not do that at his club even though Falcao has demonstrated that he is one of the best you can find at a worldwide level.

“It is a matter of time. I have no doubt that at some point, the best Falcao will show. I hope that this won’t happen [on Friday].”

Argentina and Colombia meet at 00.30 GMT at Estadio Sausalito, Vina del Mar to contest the third Copa America quarter-final.

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