The former footballer and Merengue coach highlighted the Argentine's adaptation, who has already played in the Champions League and has Xabi Alonso's trust
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Franco Mastantuono has only been a Real Madrid player for 34 days and has already played four matches wearing the Merengue jersey. He made his debut on August 14, the day he turned 18 years old, and since then he has come on against Osasuna and started against Real Oviedo, Mallorca, and Olympique de Marseille, the latter in his UEFA Champions League debut.
One of those who appreciated this start was Jorge Valdano, world champion in 1986 and former coach of the first team. In a conversation with Diario AS, he stated: "I absolutely trust him, I get the feeling that his arrival was the right one".
Valdano explained that Mastantuono "has done everything to convince the coach and that makes him a responsible player. Now he has to convince the fans, for that he needs more brilliance, but he has it in his left foot".
Para Valdano, Mastantuono es un jugador responsable y maduro
The former striker also highlighted the maturity of the young Argentine: "He is an intelligent boy, very mature for his age. Confidence is the most important thing to achieve success in Europe".
Finally, he insisted that Xabi Alonso's support will be key in his development: "The coach's confidence is the only thing that takes talent to the limit of its possibilities. The coach believes in him and will give him opportunities. He will help him in that pursuit of excellence".
U-20 National Team no, Senior National Team yes
In the run-up to the U-20 World Cup in Chile, Xabi Alonso himself gave a thumbs down to Diego Placente to add Mastantuono to the youth tournament squad. "We decide, he stays with us", said the Real Madrid coach.
Xabi no dejará que Mastantuono juegue el Mundial Sub 20
However, the former River player could join the Senior National Team, since he is under consideration by Lionel Scaloni for the October friendlies against Venezuela (Friday the 10th in Miami) and Puerto Rico (Monday the 13th in Chicago).
