Real Madrid legend attributes Franco Mastantuono's poor performance to a lack of chances. The highly anticipated summer signing from River Plate has struggled to make an impact this season.
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Real Madridâs Argentine legend explains why new signing hasnât performed at Bernabeu this season â âHe needs chancesâ
Real Madridâs summer signing of Franco Mastantuono was one of the most anticipated arrivals in recent memory, with the teenager arriving from River Plate with an enormous reputation and even greater expectations.
However, the Argentine has struggled to make a consistent impact at the Bernabeu this season, especially amid ongoing tensions in the Real Madrid dressing room.
Now, a Real Madrid legend who knows exactly what it feels like to arrive from Argentina and carry those expectations has offered his perspective on why Mastantuono has found it difficult.
Roberto Martinez, who scored 108 goals for Espanyol and won five La Liga titles with Real Madrid after arriving from Argentina, spoke to Diario AS ahead of tonightâs clash between his two former clubs.
The 79-year-old was sympathetic towards Mastantuono, pointing to the unique pressures of adapting to a new country and a new footballing environment at such a young age.
Franco Mastantuono is struggling due to a lack of chances to showcase his skills on the field.
Franco Mastantuono arrived at Real Madrid with high expectations after his impressive performance at River Plate.
Ongoing tensions in the Real Madrid dressing room are impacting team dynamics and player performances.
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Mastantuono hasnât quite got going at Real Madrid. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
âHeâs a great player, without any discussion, but heâs being affected by his acclimatisation. He is young. He needs the chances to show what he is worth, that boy plays very good football,â he said.
When asked whether a loan move might help accelerate his development, the former striker was open to the idea.
âIt is quite possible that he is right. He has not yet shown what he is capable of. Itâs a special case because we didnât think he was going to fail. After all, it was with a tremendous chance of being a star. In big teams, sometimes that weighs when it comes to playing,â he said.
Finally, when asked whether or not Real Madrid need a major overhaul in the coming summer, Martinez stopped short of calling for a revolution but acknowledged that the club must evolve.
âFootball has changed a lot and we have to prepare to stay in the fight at the top. Because thatâs Madrid,â he concluded.