River Plate youth director: “Mastantuono is more like James Rodriguez than Lamine Yamal” | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s latest teenage signing, Franco Mastantuono, is already making headlines before stepping onto the pitch at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Gabriel Orlando Rodriguez, the director of River Plate’s youth teams, has shared his insights on the 17-year-old Argentine star, drawing a surprising comparison, not to Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal, but to former Los Blancos midfielder James Rodriguez.

Speaking to AS, Rodriguez recalled the first time he saw Mastantuono: “When he was 11 years old, he came to us on trial and immediately convinced us, but the pandemic hit and everything stopped.

“We had to wait almost two years to see him again and bring him into Casa River, the home for the club’s promising youngsters.

“We signed him shortly before his debut in the first year of youth categories, what we call the Ninth Division here.”

Profile similar to James Rodriguez

Mastantuono has a profile similar to James Rodriguez. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

When asked if Mastantuono’s style resembled that of Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, Rodriguez was clear: “Well, they’re the same age, but I see a style much more similar to James Rodriguez or Marcelo Gallardo, although River’s current coach was right-handed.

“He’s not as explosive as Yamal. He’s a player who thinks, observes the field, his teammates, and analyses the options the game offers him.

“He’s very intelligent and has the ability to make the team improve.”

Rodriguez went on to explain that Mastantuono’s best position is something closer to the wings. “It’s the ideal place to take advantage of his dribbling, passing, vision, and magnificent left foot.

“Demichelis gave him his debut at River Plate, but Gallardo was instrumental in his final years of development. He’s a seasoned player.”

A bright future

Mastantuono is tipped to succeed at Real Madrid. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

Looking ahead, the River Plate youth director is convinced Madridistas will quickly fall in love with the youngster. “Franco is going to win over the Madrid fans. He’s going to conquer them.

“I have no doubt about that. His ball control, his composure, and his clarity are very striking and make him a special player. He will be a top-class player at Madrid.”

When asked if Mastantuono could one day compete for the Ballon d’Or, Rodriguez was cautious yet optimistic: “He could be a talented player, but not right away. He’ll need time.

“I have a lot of faith in Xabi Alonso to guide him and pass on his experience and knowledge so that Franco can shine and show his full potential. He’s a chosen player to play football,” he added.