REAL MADRID WENT ALL-IN ON FRANCO MASTANTUONO… BUT WHY?!

Summary

Real Madrid have successfully hijacked the signing of 17-year-old Franco Mastuno, a generational talent from Argentina, bypassing other top European clubs like Paris Saint-Germain. The video delves into his background, detailing his rapid rise at River Plate, where he became one of their key players at just 17. The analysis covers his playing style, versatility, technical abilities, and potential fit within Real Madrid's squad. Despite competition, Mastuno’s unique qualities, such as being a left-footed right winger, make him a perfect addition to Real Madrid's attacking options. The video concludes with optimism about his future, emphasizing the importance of signing him early before his value skyrockets.

Takeaways

• 😀 Real Madrid hijacked Franco Matuno's deal, securing the 17-year-old wonderkid from River Plate, despite interest from major clubs like PSG, Chelsea, and Barcelona.
• 😀 Franco Matuno made his professional debut for River Plate at the age of 16, becoming the third youngest player to do so, and quickly established himself as a key player for the team.
• 😀 Matuno is often compared to legendary Argentinian players like Raquelme, Messi, and Dybala due to his technical ability, dribbling skills, and creativity on the ball.
• 😀 He is versatile, capable of playing as an 8, 10, or right winger. As a left-footed right winger, he brings a unique threat to Real Madrid's attacking options.
• 😀 Matuno leads the Argentine Superliga in dribbles with an average of 3.4 per game, showcasing his dribbling prowess and ability to beat defenders.
• 😀 Defensively, Matuno is proactive, averaging 1.3 tackles and 0.9 interceptions per game, showing his willingness to contribute in both attacking and defensive phases.
• 😀 In high-pressure moments, Matuno has proven his mental strength, scoring a decisive last-minute penalty in the Copa Argentina and showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
• 😀 Real Madrid signed Matuno for €45 million, a fee that reflects his immense potential. This move comes after his contract extension with River Plate raised his release clause from €12 million to €45 million.
• 😀 Matuno's signing is seen as a strategic move for Real Madrid, securing a potential future star before his value skyrockets and he becomes a guaranteed starter for other top clubs.
• 😀 The arrival of Matuno may impact other Real Madrid players like Niko Paz, who is likely to remain on loan, and Rodrigo, whose future at the club is uncertain with Matuno's inclusion.
• 😀 Despite the competition for places, Matuno is expected to get significant game time in his first season at Real Madrid, similar to Rodrigo's first season in 2019, as he brings something different to the team with his left-footed right-winger profile.

Q & A

Who is Franco Mastuno, and why is his signing significant for Real Madrid?

Franco Mastuno is a 17-year-old Argentine talent, widely regarded as a generational signing. He is known for his technical skills, creativity, and versatility on the field. His signing is significant for Real Madrid because they have hijacked the deal from other top clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, ensuring that they secure a promising player with immense potential.

What makes Franco Mastuno stand out compared to other young players in Argentina?

Franco Mastuno's standout qualities include his early professional debut at River Plate at just 16 years old, his quick integration into the first team, and his ability to handle pressure and expectations. He is also compared to Argentine greats like Raquelme, Messi, and Dybala for his technical ability, dribbling, and creativity.

How does Franco Mastuno play, and what are his strengths on the field?

Franco Mastuno is a left-footed right-winger who is very technical on the ball. His strengths include purposeful dribbling, creativity, directness, and a high level of aggression and physicality. He leads the Argentine league in dribbles per game and contributes defensively with tackles and interceptions. He is also known for his composure under pressure and set-piece abilities.

What is the significance of Franco Mastuno's penalty performance during the Copa Argentina match?

Franco Mastuno's penalty in the Copa Argentina was crucial as he confidently stepped up in the 98th minute to equalize for River Plate in a high-pressure situation. This highlights his mental fortitude, confidence, and ability to perform in clutch moments, even at a young age.

Why did Real Madrid act quickly to secure Franco Mastuno's signing?

Real Madrid moved quickly to secure Franco Mastuno before his value skyrocketed, knowing that other top European clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, and PSG were eyeing him. By signing him early, Real Madrid ensures they don’t miss out on a future star who could become worth significantly more in a few years.

What challenges did Real Madrid face in signing Franco Mastuno, and how did they overcome them?

Real Madrid faced significant competition for Franco Mastuno from top clubs in Europe, including Paris Saint-Germain, who were close to securing him. To overcome this, influential figures from Real Madrid, including manager Chavi Alonso and former player Fernando Gago, personally reached out to Franco, convincing him to join the club.

How does Franco Mastuno's Italian passport impact his eligibility to play for Real Madrid?

Franco Mastuno’s Italian passport is crucial because it allows him to bypass La Liga’s restrictions on non-EU players. With this passport, he can join Real Madrid without occupying one of their non-EU spots, which is important given the league's regulations.

What implications does Franco Mastuno’s signing have on the current Real Madrid squad?

Franco Mastuno’s arrival could impact the playing time of other players in similar positions, such as Rodrigo and Niko Paz. However, Real Madrid has plans for him to complement the squad, with potential shifts in roles for players like Arda Güler, who is expected to play more centrally in midfield.

What is the future outlook for Niko Paz after Franco Mastuno’s signing?

Niko Paz’s future at Real Madrid appears uncertain due to Franco Mastuno's signing. As a result, Niko Paz may stay on loan or be sold to another club, with Real Madrid reportedly considering activating a buyback clause to retain control over his future.

How does Franco Mastuno fit into Real Madrid’s tactical setup, and what role is expected for him?

Franco Mastuno’s versatility allows him to play both as a right-winger and as an attacking midfielder (No. 10). His profile is ideal for Real Madrid’s fluid tactical setups, particularly in a 4-3-3 formation. It is expected that he will receive significant playing time, possibly similar to Rodrigo's first season at the club.