Franco Mastantuono has wasted no time making his mark at Real Madrid.
Signed on his eighteenth birthday, the Argentine winger has already been handed four starts in his opening six appearances under Xabi Alonso, slotting straight into the right flank.
His standout quality is his dribbling. Mastantuono carries the ball with confidence, but what’s impressed most is how well he fits into Alonso’s system. He links play smartly, presses aggressively and looks like a natural fit in a side that demands both flair and discipline.
Vinícius Júnior is the established presence on the left. On the right, though, Mastantuono has a clearer runway to nail down a starting role. Alonso has spoken about having opposite-footed wingers on both sides as a necessity, and said: “We need that type of player who brings width and can link up with others.
“On one side we have a lot of verticality, and on the other we can look for that combination play, plus the quality he (Mastantuono) has. And as long as he performs, he’s going to play.”
That stance makes Rodrygo’s situation trickier. The Brazilian is a natural right-footer, and while he started the Champions League tie against Marseille and contributed to Madrid’s press, he looks more likely to feature on the opposite side or as backup to Mbappé through the middle.
Mastantuono, meanwhile, has arrived with intent. He demands the ball, embraces risk and plays with the swagger of a street footballer. At times, he overplays or holds on too long, but that’s part of the learning curve. His work rate and ball-winning ability compensate, and his confidence under pressure recalls some of Madrid’s greatest talents to pull on the white shirt.
The Bernabéu crowd has already taken to him. Every touch sparks anticipation, every dribble lifts the atmosphere. There’s a rawness to his game, but also a maturity and character that suggest he belongs at this level.
Alonso’s challenge will be managing his development – balancing minutes, refining decision-making and protecting him from the spotlight. If done right, Madrid may have unearthed their next Galáctico without breaking the bank.
