Real Madrid youngster’s spot in starting XI at risk despite Arbeloa’s faith in him | OneFootball

Just when it seemed like Franco Mastantuono had taken a huge step towards cementing his place in the Real Madrid starting lineup, everything came crashing down in the game against SL Benfica.

The Argentine international, who had struggled to make inroads into the team after returning from his pubalgia problem, seemed to be back in his groove with impressive performances against AS Monaco and Villarreal, earning Alvaro Arbeloa’s trust.

As a result, the teenage prodigy started the Champions League clash against Benfica, despite Rodrygo being fully fit again and Brahim Diaz returning from AFCON duties.

However, the summer signing dropped what was one of his poorest performances since joining Real Madrid as the team fell to a 4-2 loss.

Starting spot at risk

As such, AS now reports that Mastantuono’s place in the Real Madrid starting XI is at risk.

The youngster had earned the spot on merit and through the faith of Arbeloa, who wanted, and still wants, to back him.

Franco Mastantuono has been far from consistent. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

However, the margin is shrinking as Rodrygo is pushing from behind and Brahim is fully reintegrated after the AFCON.

Mastantuono’s performance against Benfica was one to forget. He did not shoot even once, he did not create a single dangerous chance, and he recorded a 20% success rate in dribbles, completing just one of five attempts. Of his 15 passes, only four were in the final third.

In Lisbon, Mastantuono resembled the timid version seen in October, from the matches before he was sidelined due to pubalgia.

In his short spell at Real Madrid, the 18-year-old wonderkid has shown his quality and boldness in glimpses. But for one reason or another, he cannot find consistency in his game.