Xabi Alonso praised the young Argentine, who was drafted for the league debut against Osasuna and surprised by stating that he could get playing time
In recent days, Mastantuono was asked about his footballing role models. His answer made his origins clear: "For me, it's Messi. I'm Argentine, and for me, he's the best". He then mentioned Alfredo Di Stéfano, a Los Blancos legend: "I didn't see him play, but my grandfather told me how good he was".
Real Madrid completed its preparations ahead of its debut in the Spanish League against Osasuna with a major development: the inclusion in the squad list of Franco Mastantuono, the young Argentine who was officially presented last Thursday after turning 18 years old.
The midfielder, who came up through River and already has experience with the senior Argentina National Team, could make his official debut for Los Blancos. Xabi Alonso confirmed this in a press conference: "He could get some minutes".
Additionally, the coach of Los Blancos did not hesitate to highlight the quick adaptation of the boy born in Azul. "The first time I spoke with him, I was very surprised by his personality. He was 17 years old at the time. A 17-year-old man, very self-confident. No fear at all about taking the step to come to Real Madrid", he said.
He also highlighted his footballing qualities: "You can see that quality and that desire. He's going to integrate very quickly into the locker room dynamic and into the game. He's going to bring quality, energy, he's committed defensively. In a short time, I've seen that he has that Argentine spirit, he's a warrior. And his left foot is unbelievable".
Far from being uncomfortable, Alonso defended the youngster: "Recommendation for what? To tell him who his favorite player should be? No, look, I see the logic in his favorite player being Messi. Being Argentine, being left-footed, it doesn't surprise me".
The league debut will be marked by four significant absences due to injury: Jude Bellingham, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, and Endrick. Meanwhile, Uruguayan Fede Valverde trained normally after overcoming a muscle strain and is fit to start.
