Mascherano is quite fast for a center-back, with great acceleration that helps him close down attackers and recover quickly.

His marking is very good, as he aggressively man-marks opponents, making it difficult for them to find space.

His standing tackles are exceptional, allowing him to win the ball cleanly and effectively.

His sliding tackles are highly effective when timed properly, making him a reliable defender in critical situations.

He has excellent awareness near the box, always ready for interceptions and blocks, which is crucial in high-pressure situations.

His passing is among the best for a defender, enabling him to deliver accurate passes and initiate counter-attacks.

Mascherano can also play as a CDM, offering tactical flexibility.

He doesn’t get stunned easily by skill moves, which helps him maintain defensive stability against tricky attackers.

Mascherano is physically strong, which helps him in duels against attackers.

He has the "Dives into Tackle" and "Long Passer" traits, enhancing his defensive and distribution capabilities.