Real Madrid Confidencial Xabi Alonso is clear about it and he told Mastantuono: this will be his role at Madrid
Xabi's plan for the young Argentine player has already confirmed the role he will have in the team
Real Madrid would have secured Franco Mastantuono's signing for after the Club World Cup. Although they tried to bring him in earlier, it hasn't been possible and he'll play it with River Plate. The next step is for him to join the white team and Xabi Alonso is clear about it.
The man from Tolosa has played an important role in the negotiation to communicate what plans he has. According to Manu Carreño, Mastantuono will arrive to be a starter. The white coach wants him to be important from the beginning, giving him a prominent role.
Despite his young age, as he hasn't turned 18 yet, they see him as ready to have that importance. In fact, this season with River, he has stepped up under Marcelo Gallardo. He has turned him into his great star and Real Madrid have taken note.
In fact, according to the cited source, Mastantuono will be part of Xabi Alonso's starting eleven. He believes the man from Tolosa won't have doubts about him, even though that will have consequences. That would mean a key player will have to accept that he'll need to wait for his opportunity on the bench.
The consequences of Mastantuono being a starter at Madrid
We'll have to wait until next season to see what approach Xabi Alonso takes and which eleven he puts on the field. The truth is that if Mastantuono is a starter, they'll have to find a place for him. At River, Gallardo has brought out his best version by placing him on the right wing, but allowing him to cut inside.
That would make Rodrygo the big casualty, as he'd become a substitute for Xabi Alonso. Under Ancelotti, he had been a starter alongside Mbappé and Vinícius in the attacking front. The Argentine could take his spot, and we'll see if that doesn't affect his future.
He wouldn't be the only one, as Arda Güler would also be affected by his arrival as a starter. Mastantuono and he seem to be competing for the same spot on the field. The Turk would start at a disadvantage, although during preseason his situation could change.
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