Real Madrid Unveil Secret Strategy to Deploy Franco Mastantuono in La Liga Kickoff
Franco Mastantuono may have just been introduced at Real Madrid City recently, but the 18-year-old is allegedly set to make his first appearance in the white jersey against Osasuna.
Real Madrid are preparing for their opening fixture of the 2025–26 La Liga season. Anticipation is building under Xabi Alonso, particularly with fresh acquisitions Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras all anticipated to feature at the Santiago Bernabéu in Tuesday's encounter.
Mastantuono also transferred to the Spanish capital during the summer window, though he couldn't join the squad until reaching 18 years old on Aug. 14. Despite having minimal preparation time with the team, the Argentine remains part of Los Blancos' short-term strategy.
Based on reports from AS, Mastantuono is set to begin his Real Madrid journey in the club's opening match. While securing a starting position in the fixture remains a "distant possibility" for the ex-River Plate talent, he will supposedly see action against Osasuna.
The youngster is capable of operating on the right flank or as a central attacking midfielder, both positions currently available at Real Madrid. With Jude Bellingham rehabilitating from shoulder surgery, the squad lacks its primary playmaker.
The right-wing position remains up for grabs given Rodrygo's questionable future wearing the white jersey. If Mastantuono delivers an impressive showing in his initial appearance, the attacker could earn additional playing time in either role.
Even should circumstances change and the new recruit doesn't participate in Los Blancos' La Liga curtain-raiser, he's still anticipated to remain integrated with the senior squad throughout this campaign. Mastantuono represents just one of multiple promising young talents in Alonso's revamped Real Madrid setup.
The 18-year-old featured in 64 matches for River Plate, contributing 10 goals and seven assists during his tenure. Mastantuono also earned his senior international debut for Argentina back in May.
Should Alonso successfully develop Mastantuono's abilities, Real Madrid will possess another asset in their pursuit of the Spanish title, presently owned by arch-rivals Barcelona.