Franco Mastantuono | signed for Madrid

Status
Not open for further replies.
carvajal said:
Gago traumatized all of us. We couldn't sign more argentines hehe.
In fact, before the trip to Buenos Aires, it was said that Calafat saw Mastantuono as a new Di María.
The question is what they saw in him to sign him, and not any other Argentine/brazilian talent.
River is a club very close to Madrid. I read today that is “The Second Coming"
As for Redondo, I’ve run out of adjectives.
Click to expand...

Di Maria was faster for me and a real classic as they come winger with tons of dribbling (and some modern hustling involved), that could also operate anywhere in the pitch, even as mediapunta.
Franco looks more like a slower mid that starts from the flank nowadays in River, he drops back a lot but I think that is more due to River deficiencies to bring him the ball than him actually liking that.
Still too soon for my taste this transfer, with the only real hope of becoming good if Xabi actually is pulling the strings behind the scene wanting him badly, that I doubt it.
BTW If there is any chance that Nico Paz returns that might help Franco too, yet if Cesc goes to Inter I have the sensation that he'll take Nico there and Inter needs Cesc and Paz like water in the desert

PD: Pintita!, he started like a true gem in Boca, after his first big injury he never got to the same level and became kind of a reckless player.
PD2: With Cambiasso I think Madrid should have done better and be more patient, he was real class, the shadow of Redondo was too big at the time.
 
pascell said:
How do they fit Mastantuono, Rodrygo, Vinisius Jr, Guler, Endrick and Mbappe in one team :lol:
Click to expand...

Vini, Mbappe and Bellingham front three with Endrick and Franco being first rotations. Guler developed as a CM. Rodrygo leaves. I would also add Budimir. Quality player, whose profile we lack and cheap as frack.
 
How do they plan on lining up ? 4-3-3 ? or 4-3-1-2

Ive always had a the feeling that theyll sell Rodrygo. Which is weird considering hes quality, hardworking, scores important goals and rarely hits the headlines for any on/off field antics

Rodrygo will either go to PSG or City
 
Mr.Fantastic said:
Vini, Mbappe and Bellingham front three with Endrick and Franco being first rotations. Guler developed as a CM. Rodrygo leaves. I would also add Budimir. Quality player, whose profile we lack and cheap as frack.
Click to expand...
I dont see Guler as a CM at all. Too light weight.
 
Fobal said:
Di Maria was faster for me and a real classic as they come winger with tons of dribbling (and some modern hustling involved), that could also operate anywhere in the pitch, even as mediapunta.
Franco looks more like a slower mid that starts from the flank nowadays in River, he drops back a lot but I think that is more due to River deficiencies to bring him the ball than him actually liking that.
Still too soon for my taste this transfer, with the only real hope of becoming good if Xabi actually is pulling the strings behind the scene wanting him badly, that I doubt it.
BTW If there is any chance that Nico Paz returns that might help Franco too, yet if Cesc goes to Inter I have the sensation that he'll take Nico there and Inter needs Cesc and Paz like water in the desert

PD: Pintita!, he started like a true gem in Boca, after his first big injury he never got to the same level and became kind of a reckless player.
PD2: With Cambiasso I think Madrid should have done better and be more patient, he was real class, the shadow of Redondo was too big at the time.
Click to expand...
Thank you for shedding some more light on this lad, I posted asking questions in another thread about him but it was clearly the wrong thread. I don't watch Argentinian football so have only seen highlights of the kid, and he looks far from ready for a top league yet. Lots of talent obviously, but I was struck by how he often bull dozers his way past players using a combination of technique but also physicality (not speed). It seemed to me that at his age this physical advantage would be somewhat eradicated in the very top leagues where most of the dribbles I see in his highlight videos, would be quite easily nullified by bigger, stronger players. I certainly think he would struggle a lot in England right now, and I felt the same way about France too (when he seemed likely to join PSG). Perhaps Spain is a good fit for him, being a slower paced, more technical league with slightly less physicality - allowing his gifts to shine a bit more.

He does not seem to have absolutely top tier technique from what I have seen, but highlights can be so deceptive. He seems more like a player who is really good at lots of things, rather than exceptional at any one thing, like dribbling. He doesn't have a low centre of gravity, so he almost looks a bit awkward at times. Again, just based on what I've seen. Is he really as big of talent as has been made out? At his age he can obviously massively improve, and grow; but he doesn't look particularly quick or explosive, although the speed at which he dribbles seems close to the speed he runs without the ball, which is a real quality. Are we looking at a potential top 5 player in the world in him? Or has the hype gotten out of control?

I could be completely wrong, but when I watched his videos, I saw a player that I thought had tons of potential, but if United were to sign him he'd probably be best served out on loan for a season or two in Portugal, Holland or Belgium. Educate me please.
 
Ghostrider318 said:
I dont see Guler as a CM at all. Too light weight.
Click to expand...
Genuine question, but can you clarify "light weight"? I think the idea that CMs have to be physically strong is somewhat outdated, at least in the traditional sense. I like the idea of a much broader definition of physicality to encompass all play styles. For example, I could probably fit Vitinha in my pocket, and I'd certainly back my 17 year old to kick his arse in a fight; but.....probably best midfielder in the world right now. He's super lightweight, just like Neves is; but he has such a high workrate and industry, and isn't afraid to get stuck in when required. His superb technique, low center of gravity, constant movement and ability to change direction quickly is what makes him so good. So his "light weightedness", at least in traditional terms, is what makes him so good.

I'm also skeptical of Guler as a CM, perhaps only as part of a three, a la Odegaard or Ozil, but I'm curious as to your definition of what constitutes light weight.
 
Mr.Fantastic said:
Vini, Mbappe and Bellingham front three with Endrick and Franco being first rotations. Guler developed as a CM. Rodrygo leaves. I would also add Budimir. Quality player, whose profile we lack and cheap as frack.
Click to expand...

Does the front three you mentioned get rotated typically? Genuine question. It sounds like a nice idea, but I'm not sure having two young and developing players as your rotation options will work, as they will need gametime to develop, and likely won't get much of it if the front three you mentioned are staying fit. Are there any precedents of two highly sought after young players being bought as rotation options and going on to fulfill their potential at the buying club? Just curious.
 
Ghostrider318 said:
How do they plan on lining up ? 4-3-3 ? or 4-3-1-2

Ive always had a the feeling that theyll sell Rodrygo. Which is weird considering hes quality, hardworking, scores important goals and rarely hits the headlines for any on/off field antics

Rodrygo will either go to PSG or City
Click to expand...

I think Arsenal have a good chance unless one of those clubs offers a stupid level of wages or agents fees. Bayern could be in for him too.

Brazilians care so much about the national team, having a good season and keeping himself in the frame for Brazil's starting XI next summer has to be a huge priority. If he wants to take the next step in his career he needs to move to a club where he is a guaranteed starter and ideally at LW, where his skill set has always played best. Neither City nor PSG really need him and both are already loaded with attackers who play best off the left. At City, both Marmoush and Doku are really LW players and some would say Foden is best there too. At PSG all of Khvara, Doue, and Barcola are really best operating on the left.

Arsenal and Bayern would be better fits IMO. He could win the starting LW job pretty easily at either club, get his big wage packet of 250-300k per week, and set himself up for the World Cup.
 
Rolaholic said:
Click to expand...

I always find these kind of news hilarious. Either all 6 players ran and told the reporter, or the player called the reporter and told, “hey i told 6 players this” or they tapped and listened to his calls

Each scenario is more ridiculous than the other
 
We've never been a club who gets players like this so not bothered. Also these talents are always crazy over hyped and don't make an impact for years anyway. Especially at Madrid, usually a decent chance they're just bench players for a few years before they get loaned out or sold.
 
Powderfinger said:
I think Arsenal have a good chance unless one of those clubs offers a stupid level of wages or agents fees. Bayern could be in for him too.

Brazilians care so much about the national team, having a good season and keeping himself in the frame for Brazil's starting XI next summer has to be a huge priority. If he wants to take the next step in his career he needs to move to a club where he is a guaranteed starter and ideally at LW, where his skill set has always played best. Neither City nor PSG really need him and both are already loaded with attackers who play best off the left. At City, both Marmoush and Doku are really LW players and some would say Foden is best there too. At PSG all of Khvara, Doue, and Barcola are really best operating on the left.

Arsenal and Bayern would be better fits IMO. He could win the starting LW job pretty easily at either club, get his big wage packet of 250-300k per week, and set himself up for the World Cup.
Click to expand...
Rodrygo is a level above City’s options on the left, seems the logical fit for him

Guler has a good shot but I don’t find him hugely impressive, I think they’ll be looking to sell him next year so it’ll be a mistake long term to sell Rodrygo
 
Last edited:
bosnian_red said:
We've never been a club who gets players like this so not bothered. Also these talents are always crazy over hyped and don't make an impact for years anyway. Especially at Madrid, usually a decent chance they're just bench players for a few years before they get loaned out or sold.
Click to expand...
In Madrids case it's worked out quite well for them since they ditched the Galactico strategy in favor of snapping up the best young talents.

Most of the wunderkinds they've signed in recent years have played parts in winning European crowns
 
Mr.Fantastic said:
Vini, Mbappe and Bellingham front three with Endrick and Franco being first rotations. Guler developed as a CM. Rodrygo leaves. I would also add Budimir. Quality player, whose profile we lack and cheap as frack.
Click to expand...
Bellingham in the front 3? I can't see that working, nor do I see Guler as a CM.
 
Rolaholic said:
In Madrids case it's worked out quite well for them since they ditched the Galactico strategy in favor of snapping up the best young talents.

Most of the wunderkinds they've signed in recent years have played parts in winning European crowns
Click to expand...
True. They have been able to detect and sign quality talents.
 
GlasgowCeltic said:
Rodrygo is a level above City’s options on the left, seems the logical fit for him

Guler has a good shot but I don’t find him hugely impressive, I think they’ll be looking to sell him next year so it’ll be a mistake long term to sell Rodrygo
Click to expand...

City seem very happy with Marmoush and he plays best off the left if its not going to be a two striker system (which it probably isn't given the number of midfielders Pep is buying). I'm not sure at all that Rodrygo would beat out Marmoush.

I agree on Guler but Rodrygo isn't a player who will want to be a backup RW so whether or not he can be ahead of Guler in the pecking order is kind of immaterial unless Madrid plan on keeping him against his wishes.
 
Rolaholic said:
In Madrids case it's worked out quite well for them since they ditched the Galactico strategy in favor of snapping up the best young talents.

Most of the wunderkinds they've signed in recent years have played parts in winning European crowns
Click to expand...
It's really just Vini and Rodrygo. A lot of the others are young still of course and I'm not doubting their quality, but I doubt guys like Arda Guler ever break into the starting 11. And we'll see what Endrick turns into, but it's the same deal there. He's a promising young talent who will take years to actually become a starter at Madrid, if he ever does.
 
Hoof the ball said:
Madrid utilising that world famous academy and youth reservoir of talent once more.
Click to expand...
They use their academy differently than other clubs. They use it to generate revenue and then wait for the odd player to be mentally strong enough to play for their first team. At one point not too long ago their academy had produced more first division players in Europe than any other. So La Masia or Ajax it's not but it works well enough for them
 
Not in the position for this signing unfortunately, but perhaps in a couple of years we start adding Amad's, Vini's etc more regularly...
 
simonhch said:
Thank you for shedding some more light on this lad, I posted asking questions in another thread about him but it was clearly the wrong thread. I don't watch Argentinian football so have only seen highlights of the kid, and he looks far from ready for a top league yet. Lots of talent obviously, but I was struck by how he often bull dozers his way past players using a combination of technique but also physicality (not speed). It seemed to me that at his age this physical advantage would be somewhat eradicated in the very top leagues where most of the dribbles I see in his highlight videos, would be quite easily nullified by bigger, stronger players. I certainly think he would struggle a lot in England right now, and I felt the same way about France too (when he seemed likely to join PSG). Perhaps Spain is a good fit for him, being a slower paced, more technical league with slightly less physicality - allowing his gifts to shine a bit more.

He does not seem to have absolutely top tier technique from what I have seen, but highlights can be so deceptive. He seems more like a player who is really good at lots of things, rather than exceptional at any one thing, like dribbling. He doesn't have a low centre of gravity, so he almost looks a bit awkward at times. Again, just based on what I've seen. Is he really as big of talent as has been made out? At his age he can obviously massively improve, and grow; but he doesn't look particularly quick or explosive, although the speed at which he dribbles seems close to the speed he runs without the ball, which is a real quality. Are we looking at a potential top 5 player in the world in him? Or has the hype gotten out of control?

I could be completely wrong, but when I watched his videos, I saw a player that I thought had tons of potential, but if United were to sign him he'd probably be best served out on loan for a season or two in Portugal, Holland or Belgium. Educate me please.
Click to expand...

Hi man, I can't educate myself, less you :lol:...anyway, what you mean by him having physical advantage, maybe you think that it's implied because there is an assumption that in South America it isn't that tough/rough?, dunno but on contrair the problem down here it's an abuse of intensity and rough play instead of a more clever game like in the past. This more than anything is product of loosing young good players constantly and filling those gaps with less talented young fellas and oldies past their prime, so everyone runs first then play, more when team needs inmediate results due to the nature of the Tournament and the constant bleeding product of selling/loosing assets even still in the youngsters ranks.
He also isn't a big fella to think of him having any sort of advantage regarding that, mostly what I would agree it's that he looks like a player that knows how to use his body, yet NOT to an extreme like another not that big fella from very similar frame like Riquelme used to do.

I don't think the issue here it's the League being that weak, or that he is destroying everyone, because it's not the case on either case. The problem it's that he clearly has talent and personality, BUT he just started and this is too soon, too much marketing would be involved too if he arrives to Madrid and primarly no matter talent, he doesn't belong to that type of specimen with the sort of build that universally provides an easier path to deal with fouls like any little stocky fella a la Diego, Messi, as ultimate genius alike fellas or proper Cracks like Kun, Tevez or elite fellas like Alvarez. Also the pace this fellas had/has helps a lot and literally their legs just instantly get noticed as born to play. This is not the case of Franco's build, closer to the silky Argie Alonso from the past, he is more slim without being a pencil like Pastore or Aimar, yet not as robust as Riquelme.
At the end of the day, it's too soon in his carreer given how many matches he played to solve anything at Real no matter how talented he can be and like I've said the main issue would be if he was actually required by Xabi, this would help a lot his path.
 
Last edited:
Rolaholic said:
Click to expand...


Only in pure sum terms, yet in what implied in their days the sums paid for Sivori or Maradona I don't think so. Yet it's true that normally players down here go abroad for peanuts, so kudos for Las Gallinas if they at least can get his release clasue or whatever it's called.
 
RoyH1 said:
If they get him they better put his first name on the shirt. Will draw some of the heat away from Vinicius when they play away.
Click to expand...
Yeaaaaah about that. Spain's biggest party right now is the PP which under Feijoo is increasingly veering towards "really just Vox, but with better PR"....
 
So anyways, with Bellingham likely to be out until November, there should be opportunities for him to play right away
 
Ghostrider318 said:
I dont see Guler as a CM at all. Too light weight.
Click to expand...

For me a clear cut central player. The question is either more advanced or deeper role. Should excel at both.

Gazza said:
Does the front three you mentioned get rotated typically? Genuine question. It sounds like a nice idea, but I'm not sure having two young and developing players as your rotation options will work, as they will need gametime to develop, and likely won't get much of it if the front three you mentioned are staying fit. Are there any precedents of two highly sought after young players being bought as rotation options and going on to fulfill their potential at the buying club? Just curious.
Click to expand...

Under Carlo there were issues. As for Alonso i expect having more feel for them. Given busy schedule, i think there is more than enough minutes available for them to develop properly. As for rotations, they were bought for long-term development. Rotations simply implies not being starters - which at 17 / 18 especially at such level is completely expected. Franco seems like a guy who could surprise though. I am impressed honestly.

pascell said:
Bellingham in the front 3? I can't see that working, nor do I see Guler as a CM.
Click to expand...

Yes. Vini and Mbappe upfront with Bellingham behind. Essentially trequartista. This is how i see him.
 
Mr.Fantastic said:
Yes. Vini and Mbappe upfront with Bellingham behind. Essentially trequartista. This is how i see him.
Click to expand...
I hope for your sake, Alonso doesn't play them in those positions, because it would be severly imbalanced.

Firstly, Bellingham as a trequartista negates one of his best skills, dribbling/ball carrying. You'd be playing him like a deep target man trying to get Mbappe/Vinicius Jr playing off him, as colossal waste of talent.

Then you'd be playing either Mbappe/Vinicis Jr out of position as a RW, another massive waste of talent which will hinder the team, with neither player likely to want to be played out of position.

Lastly, Guler will become Ozil mk II. You really don't want to waste his potential playing him as a CM, when his skills don't lend themselves particularly well. Especially when you already have a world class CM playing as a false 9.

An all round waste of world class talent.
 
Mastantuono along with Huijsen, Alvaro and Paz along with Camavinga, Guler, Endrick and Ascencio is a lot of genuinely talented players with massive potential.
 
Valencia Shin Crosses said:
So who are the odd men out of this Madrid squad? There's far too much individual talent for some of these guys to be happy being relegated to bench roles.
Click to expand...
It does seem like there will be some Robben/Ozil/Di Maria type bargains available in the near future as other players get shifted on for newer, shinier toys.
 
Valencia Shin Crosses said:
So who are the odd men out of this Madrid squad? There's far too much individual talent for some of these guys to be happy being relegated to bench roles.
Click to expand...
Would imagine Madrid would be open to bids for Camavinga, Tchouameni, Guler and Rodrygo (maybe Valverde?) this summer with two of them possibly leaving.
 
AlexUTD said:
How many did he tell again?
Click to expand...
Not two. Not four.
crop-1380351.jpg


Siiiiix
1_Twice06.png
 
Status
Not open for further replies.