After a crucial week of fixtures, the mood at Real Madrid is buoyant. The club sits atop La Liga, boasting a five-point lead over FC Barcelona, while also maintaining a perfect record in the Champions League with nine points from three matches. However, amidst this success, young talent Franco Mastantuono finds himself sidelined. The 18-year-old Argentine, who had been a rising star early in the season, has seen his playing time diminish significantly due to the return of established stars.
This past week featured two pivotal matches for the Merengues: a commanding victory against Juventus and a thrilling El Clásico against Barcelona. Despite his promising start, Mastantuono has barely featured in these encounters. He was brought on as a late substitute against Juventus but remained on the bench throughout the entirety of his first Clásico appearance. With Xabi Alonso opting for a tactical setup that favors two forwards and four midfielders, Mastantuono has found himself out of favor.
Tactical Shift and Competition
Alonso’s tactical choices have been instrumental in Real’s recent successes. The coach has leaned heavily on key players like Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga, both of whom delivered standout performances against Barcelona. Their resurgence has pushed Mastantuono down the pecking order, as he now finds himself behind Brahim Díaz in the right-wing hierarchy. This shift in dynamics raises questions about his future role within the squad.
Mastantuono’s Development and Future Prospects
Despite being thrust into the limelight at such a young age, Mastantuono’s contributions have not been prolific—he has scored just once this season and has struggled to make a significant impact beyond a few flashes of technical brilliance. With Federico Valverde also set to return from injury soon, competition for places in midfield will intensify further. As Alonso stated recently, “Franco has many qualities; he’s adapting well to a new country and team.” However, he must capitalize on any opportunities that arise if he hopes to reclaim his place in the starting XI.
As Real Madrid continues to navigate through a busy schedule, Mastantuono must remain ready to seize any chance presented to him. The season is still young, and with several matches on the horizon, there may be moments where his talents can shine once again. Can he turn this challenging period into an opportunity for growth?
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