Real Madrid new signing thrives in central role with outstanding performance vs Espanyol | OneFootball

Franco Mastantuono was the last of the four signings Real Madrid made in the summer, with the Argentine starlet joining the club in August, after he turned 18.

Despite his age, though, Mastantuono has so far shown exceptional maturity and appears to have become a key favourite for coach Xabi Alonso.

The new Real Madrid coach has not been afraid to bench Vinicius Junior in order to field Mastantuono so far this season.

The player himself is growing in confidence and appears ready to compete with existing stars of the team.

Mastantuono ready to make the leap?

As reported by Diario AS, Alonso’s recent tactical adjustment against Espanyol brought out the very best in Mastantuono.

Operating in an asymmetrical 4-2-3-1 system, the Argentine was given freedom to drift inside and combine with Kylian Mbappé and Gonzalo.

Mastantuono was brilliant against Espanyol. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Positioned more centrally, he displayed the full range of his qualities, winning 12 duels, completing six dribbles, creating two chances, and registering an 89% passing accuracy.

These numbers backed up what was clear on the pitch: Mastantuono is not a wide player. He thrives between the lines, orchestrating attacks and forging quick partnerships.

His link-up with Mbappe stood out, with 12 exchanges of passes including one that nearly left the French forward one-on-one with goalkeeper Dmitrovic.

Competition intensifies with Bellingham’s return

The timing of his rise, however, comes with added pressure. Jude Bellingham made his return against Espanyol, and the Englishman’s reintroduction reshuffles Madrid’s midfield dynamics.

With Arda Guler also pushing for minutes, the competition for the final attacking midfield slot is fierce.

Still, Mastantuono’s performance against Espanyol was his most convincing yet, offering Xabi Alonso a strong case to keep him in the starting XI.

His daring creativity, directional turns, and accelerations through midfield have already made him a crowd favourite at the Santiago Bernabeu.