The Argentinians who have played for Liverpool - ranked

Liverpool have already secured one of the best bargain signings of the 2023 summer transfer window.

The Reds are in desperate need of a rebuild following a disappointing 2022/23 campaign and much of their refreshment will focus on the engine room. Midfield was a distinct problem area for Jurgen Klopp this season, but steps have already been taken to bolstering it ahead of 2023/24.

Alexis Mac Allister is set to become the first of several midfielders expected to join the club this summer and Liverpool have secured the Brighton man's services. Mac Allister has evolved into the complete midfielder over the past 12 months, with his stock soaring to an all-time high after he starred at the 2022 World Cup.

The midfielder is poised to become just the sixth Argentinian to represent Liverpool, so here's our ranking of the five to have played for the club so far.

5. Sebastian Leto

Leto said he rejected offers from Spanish and other Argentinian clubs upon his arrival at Anfield in 2007, but his career on Merseyside never got off the ground.

The winger appeared just four times for the Reds in the 2007/08 season and failed to notch a single Premier League minute. However, considering his minute price tag, there were little to no expectations for Leto.

He joined Olympiacos on loan for the 2008/09 campaign before joining the Greek club's arch-rivals Panathinaikos permanently.

4. Mauricio Pellegrino

Pellegrino, who'd later return to Anfield as manager of Southampton, enjoyed a short spell at the club in 2005.

Rafa Benitez required depth in defence for the second half of the 2004/05 season and turned to former club Valencia. The Reds picked up Pellegrino on a free transfer, but he never lived up to Benitez's analysis. The Spaniard described Pellegrino as a better defender than Roberto Ayala.

The ageing defender simply wasn't suited to the English game and he struggled immensely in his first few appearances. Pellegrino grew in comfort towards the end of the campaign, but instead of extending his deal with the Reds, he opted to return to Spain with Alaves.

3. Emiliano Insua

Insua was just a teenager when Liverpool signed him on an initial loan from Boca Juniors in 2007. However, the Reds were quick to snap up the Argentinian youngster permanently and he signed for a poultry £1.6m seven months later.

Insua didn't emerge as a regular until the 2009/10 season after making ten Premier League appearances in 2008/09. Nevertheless, his bright form saw him earn his first international cap in October 2009.

His 2009/10 campaign was full of promise and it appeared as if Liverpool has stumbled upon one of Argentina's brightest left-back talents. However, a quadriceps issue derailed his season and he struggled down the stretch which convinced the club to part ways ahead of the 2010/11 season.

Insua eventually left Liverpool permanently in 2011, joining Sporting CP following a loan at Galatasaray.

2. Maxi Rodriguez

The Argentinian made a name for himself at the 2006 World Cup when he scored one of the goals of the tournament in Argentina's extra time victory over Mexico in the round of 16.

Rodriguez, long admired by Benitez, scored for Atletico against the Reds at Anfield in 2008 before Benitez secured the services of the creative wide midfielder in 2010.

The then 29-year-old developed into a handy squad player on Merseyside, one that could play several positions. After drifting into the abyss under Roy Hodgson, Rodriguez came into his own with Kenny Dalglish at the helm and bagged two hat-tricks at the end of the 2010/11 season against Birmingham and Fulham.

He finished his Liverpool career with 17 goals as he departed for hometown club Newell's Old Boys in 2012.

1. Javier Mascherano

Liverpool's best Argentinian representative is, without question, Javier Mascherano.

The Reds pounced on the versatile midfielder's controversial transfer to West Ham and signed him on an initial loan in January 2007 before snapping him up permanently for £17m 13 months later.

Mascherano was an instant hit on Merseyside and immediately became a pivotal member of Benitez's squad. He was Liverpool's best performer in their Champions League final defeat to Milan in Athens, and quickly blossomed into one of the Premier League's fiercest midfielders.

The Argentinian had his disciplinary issues, but his aggression and ball-winning capacity ensured he emerged as a fan favourite at Anfield.

A move to Barcelona eventually proved too tough to turn down in 2010 after he'd made 139 appearances for the club over a three-and-a-half year spell.

READ MORE ON ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER'S LIVERPOOL MOVE