In the FIFA Club World Cup, Real Madrid supporters saw Franco Mastantuono for the first time during River Plate’s 3-1 victory over Urawa Red Diamonds. His performance elicited conflicting reactions on social media.
To guarantee they won the battle for the much sought-after offensive midfield player, the La Liga powerhouses activated the £38.5 million (€45 million) release clause in the Argentine teenager’s contract. Last season, he secured a spot in Marcelo Gallardo’s squad on a regular basis and became the youngest player to play in a competitive match in his own country.
Mastantuono is leaving River Plate as a member of their Club World Cup squad, but he will formally join Madrid in August when he turns 18. When the youngest debutant in Argentina’s history took the field on Tuesday night at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, all eyes were on him.
Fans Verdict On ‘Raw’ Real Madrid New-Boy Mastantuono
Rodrygo’s place might be “in trouble”
Gallardo’s Los Millonarios won easily thanks to goals from Maximiliano Meza, Sebastian Driussi, and Facundo Colidio, all of whom are from Argentina. Although Mastantuono’s performance was the main talking point of the victory, Yusuke Matsuo scored a penalty for the J1 League team.
The 17-year-old, who operated on the right of a three-man attack and had flashes of potential with his passing and dribbling, played the entire ninety minutes. Despite playing a crucial part in the opening game with a nice long pass out wide, he wasted one significant opportunity in Seattle.
Although Mastantuono’s quick left foot should excite Santiago Bernabeu supporters, he might require some time to get used to playing La Liga football. Supporters who saw his performance highlights agreed on that point.
One admirer pointed up areas that needed work:
“He has talent, but it’s not what we’d expect from a left winger for Real Madrid. He still needs time to get better. He lacks quickness, shooting ability, and simple dribbling.
He shares a profile with his countryman Lionel Messi, according to another admirer:
“He has a Messi-type build, and he’s Argentinian and a lefty”
The emergence of youthful talent like Desire Doue, 20, of Paris Saint-Germain, and Lamine Yamal, 17, of Barcelona, puts pressure on other young players to excel right away. He will play for a Madrid team that is eager for a player with his level of adolescent talent.
According to one supporter, Los Blancos might need to exercise patience:
“Undeveloped skill that need refinement. but a high degree of maturity at this stage.”
Another fan was more upbeat and questioned Rodrygo’s connection to Arsenal:
“Rodrygo place in trouble bro.”
When River Plate plays Mexican team Monterrey in their second Club World Cup match on Sunday, June 22, Mastantuono will be hoping to make an impression. Before the Argentines play Serie A powerhouses Inter Milan next Thursday (June 26), he will face former Madrid captain Sergio Ramos.
All data is accurate as of 18.06.202 and is provided by SofaScore.
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