Real Madrid star congratulates Lamine Yamal for second-place finish in Ballon d’Or | OneFootball

Real Madrid could scarcely have wished for a better start to life in the Spanish capital for summer signing Franco Mastantuono. Arriving in August on his 18th birthday for €45m, just five days before their first game of the season, Mastantuono has already made himself a regular for Xabi Alonso.

On Tuesday night, he scored his first goal for the club, in a 4-1 win over Levante, after a number of near misses in recent games.

“I pushed hard today. I was hoping for that goal, even though it wasn’t the main objective. It was a step toward gaining confidence in this team, which is getting better and better. It’s a huge joy,” he told Marca.

Image via Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images

“I feel very comfortable. It feels like I’ve been here longer because of the way my teammates are treating me, and the team. It’s great to compete and train like this, in a very nice job that’s also our passion. The guys have given me a lot of confidence, and I feel at home.”

Mastantuono congratulates Lamine Yamal on Ballon d’Or

Meanwhile the headline event this week was the Ballon d’Or gala in Paris. After revealing that Jude Bellingham was the player who had impressed him most at Real Madrid, Mastantuono tried to distance himself from comparisons with Lamine Yamal.

“I congratulate him on his second place in the Ballon d’Or. I think he’s a great player. Obviously, you don’t need me to tell you that. I try not to compare myself with anyone, but rather to play for my team, which I believe is what later leads to individual achievement.”

Image via France Football

‘I think that’s why they wanted me’ – Mastantuono

One of the things that has been most notable since Mastantuono arrived has been his confidence to play his own game, showing no signs of being overawed at Real Madrid.

“I’m always myself, I try to impose my game and my personality. I think that’s why they wanted me at Madrid. I’m always going to try to help the team and help Madrid win. It’s not about the individual, but about the team having this chemistry.”

Manager Xabi Alonso has already commented that he believes Mastantuono will have an important role this season, and he has started two thirds of their games he has been available for so far.