Mastantuono's discoverer sends a message to Madrid, Lamine Yamal taken down

Gabriel Orlando Rodríguez, director of River Plate's youth academy, speaks exclusively with AS about Franco Mastantuono, the next prospect set to join Real Madrid. He sends a clear message: “Mastantuono is more similar to James Rodríguez than to Lamine Yamal.”

Intelligence and maturity, the keys to Mastantuono

Rodríguez is an authoritative voice. He has spent more than 40 years developing talent at River. He has worked with greats like Saviola, Crespo, or Julián Álvarez. He was the one who decided to sign Mastantuono when he was only 12 years old and has watched him grow firsthand.

“I saw him for the first time when he was 11 years old. He came for a trial and we loved him. But the pandemic stopped everything. We had to wait almost two years to bring him into River's residence,” he explains from Buenos Aires, where the Millonario's academy keeps shaping talent despite the cold 39°F (4°C).

Mastantuono faced a major dilemma: tennis or soccer. “He was phenomenal at tennis. After many conversations, we decided his future was in soccer,” he adds.

What impressed Rodríguez the most was his intelligence. “He has a pause and calmness in his play that you don't see in kids his age. He's cerebral, he knows what to do before receiving the ball, and he has great vision of the game.”

His position? “In Argentina, he played as an attacking midfielder, a role that hardly exists here. In Europe, he adapts very well as a winger, he can play on both flanks thanks to his left foot and dribbling.”

Regarding the comparison with Lamine Yamal, River's director has no doubts: “They're contemporaries, but Mastantuono isn't as explosive. He's more similar to James Rodríguez or Marcelo Gallardo. He's a player who thinks, analyzes, and makes his team better.”

The future of a star at Real Madrid

Rodríguez believes the youngster is ready to take on responsibilities at Madrid. “He has surprising maturity for his age, he almost seems like a veteran on the field. He knows how to handle pressure and demands.”

However, the adaptation period is key: “It's not an immediate process. Even Saviola took time to settle in Europe, and he already had experience. Franco will need patience.”

Regarding his future, the bet is strong: “He's going to win over the Bernabéu fans. His talent and clarity will make him a top-level player.”

He also trusts Xabi Alonso to guide him: “With a coach like that, Mastantuono has everything to become a star and a leader in the Argentine national team.”

Finally, he highlights his character: “He's humble, disciplined, and very focused. He has a great family environment that supports him.”

River never stops creating talent. Rodríguez reveals that new gems are on the way. For now, the focus is on Franco Mastantuono, the great prospect arriving in Madrid to shine.