Real Madrid new arrivals surpassing expectations at club; two already seen as undisputed starters | OneFootball

Real Madrid splurged big during the summer transfer window, spending over €170 million on four new signings.

Only one of those was an established star at the top level – Trent Alexander-Arnold – who also cost the least, given his contract situation at Liverpool.

The right-back also happens to be the one who has had the toughest start at Madrid, with an injury now sidelining him.

Carreras, Huijsen, Mastantuono exceeding expectations

As for the other three – Alvaro Carreras (22), Dean Huijsen (20), and Franco Mastantuono (18) – they are easily surpassing the club’s and coaching staff’s most optimistic forecasts, reports AS.

So much so that the players are not seen as signings with an eye on the future, but statement signings for here and now.

In fact, seven games into the season, across all competitions, Carreras and Huijsen have already established themselves as undisputed starters for manager Xabi Alonso, while Mastantuono is very well on his way to achieving that status as well.

Carreras has been brilliant so far. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Carreras’ €50 million price tag in the summer raised some eyebrows, but the former La Fabrica trainee has silenced the debate with his excellent displays at left-back, and even at centre-back last night vs Levante.

Carreras has only rested for eight minutes all season, showing how important he is for Alonso.

Huijsen, too, has been exceptional, cementing his place at the heart of the defence, thanks to his ball-playing abilities, strength in the tackles and in the air. He missed the game vs Espanyol through suspension but is already counted as an immovable piece in the lineup.

As for Mastantuono, he is also edging towards making himself an irreplaceable starter, with his brilliant goal against Levante last night furthering his case.

What surprises about the youngster is is his composure, maturity and personality at just 18 years old.

Given what they have shown in the early parts of the season, Real Madrid are more than happy with their new arrivals, who are proving themselves to be statement signings.