Javier Mascherano: 'Matias Kranevitter a coup for Atletico Madrid'

Matias Kranevitter of Argentina's River Plates, during their Libertadores Cup first leg final, at the Universitario Stadium, in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon State, Mexico, on July 29, 2015
© Getty Images
Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano calls Atletico Madrid's summer signing Matias Kranevitter "a very good player" who has "a very significant margin for growth".

Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano has said that Atletico Madrid have pulled off a coup by signing Argentine international Matias Kranevitter.

Atletico secured the 22-year-old's signature in the summer transfer window, but he returned immediately to River Plate, where he will remain on loan until January.

Mascherano has branded the midfielder "a very good player" and claimed that Atletico have done good business in securing his services.

"[Kranevitter's] a very good player," he told Mundo Deportivo. "He has a very significant margin for growth, but he's also a player who already possesses a lot of quality.

"He's won titles in Argentina and above all knows what it takes to play for a big team. Atletico are right to sign him."

Kranevitter is part of the latest Argentina squad that are preparing to face Paraguay in a 2018 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

Javier Mascherano for Barcelona on February 11, 2015
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona362745104297585
2Atletico MadridAtletico36274560164485
3Real Madrid362664105327384
4Villarreal361810844311364
5Athletic Bilbao361771255441158
6Celta Vigo36169115057-757
7Sevilla361410124943652
8Malaga361112133433145
9Valencia361111144444044
10Las PalmasLas Palmas36127174449-543
11Real Sociedad36119164247-542
12EibarEibar36119164656-1042
13Real Betis361011153150-1941
14Espanyol36117183667-3140
15Deportivo La CorunaDeportivo36718114359-1639
16Granada3699184265-2336
17Rayo Vallecano36811174870-2235
18Getafe3698193564-2935
19Sporting GijonSporting Gijon3698193761-2435
20Levante3678213466-3229