Real Madrid Has Found The Figure Of The Playmaker In Franco Mastantuono

Franco Mastantuono was able to fill the role of playmaker at Real Madrid (Instagram/@realmadrid).

JAKARTA - Xabi Alonso praised the impact imposed by Real Madrid's new player, Franco Mastantuono, ahead of the team's first away game this season, against Real Oviedo on Monday, August 25, 2025, early morning WIB.

The 18-year-old played 22 minutes as a substitute in La Liga's debut on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, as they beat Osasuna 1-0, at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The winger has only been training with his team-mates for more than a week, but Alonso says it feels like the Argentine has become part of the squad completely.

"He performed well (against Osasuna). He had a good impact, he had good energy. He will be in the squad tomorrow (against Oviedo) and like everyone else, he has a chance to play," Alonso said on Saturday, August 23, 2025, local time.

The presence of Mastantuono does not only make the attacking side stronger. The midfielder turned out to be a new playmaker for Real Madrid who brought creativity, after the death of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.

"I think he can play on the front lines and also as a playmaker. In River (Plate), he often plays number 10, as a playmaker, then starts moving to the wing."

"I think he can do both. He has that mobility. He likes to collaborate with the players around him," said Alonso at ESPN.

In the match against Osasuna, Mastantuono was included in replacing Rodrygo, who did not play in the party.

Rodrygo is a substitute who has not been fielded by Alonso when the 2025/2026 season begins amid speculation about his future at Real Madrid.

In seven matches under Alonso so far -- six of them in the 2025 Club World Cup--Rodrygo have only started once.

Even so, Alonso denied that Rodrygo had thrown Rodrygo out of his squad.

"For me, the season has started, the 2025 Club World Cup is a different context. All decisions about playing, determining the line-up of the core players, are completely my responsibility."

"I spoke with all the players and of course I have spoken to Rodrygo," said the Spaniard.

Meanwhile, another player whose performance drew criticism was Vinicius Junior, who was replaced in the 78th minute against Osasuna after difficulty having an impact.

However, Alonso did not bother and support the Brazilian player.

"(Vinicius) looks good. We only have a week to prepare for Osasuna and the last few days we have prepared for Oviedo."

"He looks good, we're just getting started, and we're all excited. (All players) have a good attitude and that's fundamental," said Alonso.

Apart from that, Alonso declined to say Real Madrid's transfer business for the summer was over, after the club signed Maskantuono, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Alvaro Carreras, but chose not to recruit midfielders.

"I am happy with the squad we have. You must always be ready if there is a change, but I am happy with this squad," said Alonso.