Franco Mastantuono had everything to shine at Real Madrid. Youth, talent, and ambition. However, just a few weeks before stepping into Valdebebas for the first time, he has received his first unexpected blow: Xabi Alonso has changed the formation.
The move that changes everything
The new Madrid coach has opted for a 5-3-2. This decision has surprised more than a few. It's a system without wingers, without an attacking midfielder, without the two positions where Mastantuono can make a difference.
This tactical move has quietly left the young Argentine without a natural spot in the starting eleven. Mastantuono, a key player at River as a midfielder or winger, now faces a Madrid where his profile doesn't fit. At least, not in its purest form.
Xabi Alonso: Focused on the present
Xabi Alonso hasn't done it out of malice; he's focused on building a solid team for the start of the 2025-2026 season. He's looking for balance, order, defensive solidity. For that, he believes the 5-3-2 is the way, but in that plan, there are casualties and Franco could be the first.
Even so, the Basque coach has shown interest in the youngster. A few days ago, after River's elimination from the Club World Cup, they spoke at length. Xabi wanted to know how the boy was doing, wanted to convey trust, but the conversation left something more.
"I want to play anywhere"
According to reports, Franco Mastantuono was clear, direct, and mature. "I want to play wherever," he told him. "I'm not here to choose with the phenomenal players in the team; I'm here for whatever's needed."
This is a phrase that has resonated in Valdebebas. The coaching staff value his humility, his hunger, his ability to adapt. In a locker room full of stars, that mentality is worth gold.
Betrayed, but prepared
Although the formation hurts him, Mastantuono won't give up; he feels betrayed, yes. The initial plan was different. He was coming to play as a winger or attacking midfielder and now he has to fit into a formation that doesn't favor him, but he isn't giving up.
The club's coaches know it: he'll need time. Adaptation, physical work, but they're convinced that sooner rather than later, he'll make headlines. He has quality, he has a good head on his shoulders, and above all, he has the right attitude.
A future under construction
Xabi Alonso is focused on the present, but he doesn't lose sight of what's coming. He knows Mastantuono is a future investment. A diamond that needs to be polished and although the current system doesn't favor him, soccer changes quickly and so do plans.
Franco has picked up the phone with a clear message: he doesn't want privileges, just opportunities. The tactical betrayal hasn't extinguished his excitement. On the contrary: it's sparked a new flame.