Arbeloa spoke privately to Real Madrid starlet after disappointing performance vs Benfica – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid suffered a shock 4-2 defeat to SL Benfica in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, which cost them a place in the top eight of the league phase standings.

Up until last night’s match, Real Madrid had not lost even once when the attacking trio of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Franco Mastantuono started.

But that changed at Estadio Da Luz, with none of the forwards, barring Mbappe, showing any fight.

In fact, Mastantuono, in particular, was very disappointing, and even drew criticism from former Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes.

Arbeloa has private word with Mastantuono

Now, according to Defensa Central, the Real Madrid coaching staff were particularly surprised by Mastantuono’s display.

Manager Arbeloa is understood to have spoken privately with the young summer signing and told him something along the lines of: “You were far below your level.”

Mastantuono struggled to make an impact vs Benfica. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Having been in good form of late, Mastantuono was handed a start against Benfica, but failed to make an impact. Quite the opposite: he was repeatedly overwhelmed by the intensity of the Portuguese side and never managed to impose himself on the game.

Mastantuono, for his part, is fully aware that he is not yet delivering his best version at Real Madrid.

This adaptation process is understandable, given the significant differences between Argentine football, La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

At just 18 years old, he still needs time to grow, especially on a physical level, and is going through the natural learning curve every young footballer faces.

And he will need the support of his teammates and the coaching staff to perform at his fullest potential and become the player Real Madrid believe he can be.