Since Franco Mastantuono signed for Real Madrid, many Barça voices have been trying to discredit him. At 17 years old, they're belittling him for supposedly not being at the level of Lamine Yamal. On the latest episode of "El Chiringuito", Edu Aguirre was clear and forceful, surprising with his words about the Argentine talent who'll soon arrive at Santiago Bernabéu.
"Mastantuono is very liked"
Edu Aguirre began: "I've noticed, both in the squad, in the club, and among Madridists, that he's a kid who's very liked. He's very exciting and it's not right to discredit him just because he plays for Real Madrid. He's 17 years old, he's carried River Plate on his back, he's the leader."
The collaborator on "El Chiringuito" continued: "He can't be bad, it's another thing whether he'll turn out worse or better than Lamine Yamal. He's a genius, he's been touched by the magic wand and has unbelievable potential. It's a mistake to compare Mastantuono to Lamine Yamal, because Lamine at 17 is a marvel, he's the best there is at 17. But I can't tell you that Mastantuono at 22 or 23 won't be better than Lamine, because nobody knows."
Finally, he concluded: "But he looks unbelievable, he's excited Madridists and it's a huge success for Madrid, which has to pay 45 million. What can't happen is waiting until he's 21 or 22 and then he costs 150 or 200 million. That's how Rodrygo or Vinícius were signed and it worked out quite well."
Mastantuono, an extraordinary gem
Franco Mastantuono has become one of the most exciting names for Real Madrid's future. At just 17 years old, the talented Argentine attacking midfielder has shined at River, earning the interest of Europe's biggest clubs. In the end, it was the white club that secured his signing, beating out giants like PSG and Barcelona, who were also strongly bidding for his addition.
At the Monumental, Mastantuono has shown flashes of a quality that's not seen every day. His left foot, vision, close control, and ability to unbalance have made him the great promise of Argentine soccer. Despite his young age, he's shown personality and maturity, playing high-level matches with River in both domestic and international competitions. His name was already common in conversations among the "millonaria" fanbase and the world's top scouts.
At Santiago Bernabéu, there's enormous anticipation for his arrival. He's considered a strategic bet by the club to keep securing young talent with global projection. Franco Mastantuono aims high, and in Madrid they firmly believe he can be one of the future's key figures. The Argentine gem already shines with his own light, and Edu Aguirre has made it clear that comparisons are not good at all.