River Plate’s academy director Gabriel Orlando Rodríguez talked to AS and shared his thoughts on Franco Mastantuono, who will sign his contract with Real Madrid this week. Rodríguez went in-depth and explained what makes Mastantuono such a promising player.
“When I discovered Mastantuono I was thrilled by his composure, the calm he had to make decisions on the field. Even then he was a very cerebral and intelligent player. I was also fascinated by his panoramic view of the game. It’s almost impossible at that age to find players who understand how to move the pieces on the board and who know what they’re going to do with the ball before receiving it. Obviously, he has great technical talent, but I’ll stick with those two virtues of his football,” he explained.
Mastantuono started his career as an attacking midfielder playing behind the striker, a classic number 10. However, River Plate quickly made sure that he had the tools to transition to the flanks.
“We immediately saw that he was a player who would soon go to Europe, and we tried to adapt him to be better prepared for the future. He is a magnificent winger and can make the difference on both flanks. He arrives in Spain after great learning and a fantastic evolution,” added Rodríguez.
As a left-footed playing on the right wing, AS asked Rodríguez about Lamine Yamal and whether or not Mastantuono’s game is similar.
“Well, they’re the same age, but I see his style as much closer to James Rodríguez or Marcelo Gallardo, although River’s current coach was right-footed. He’s not as explosive as Yamal. He’s a footballer who thinks, observes the field and his teammates, and analyzes the options the game offers him. He’s very intelligent and has the ability to make the team better,” he said.
Rodríguez wrapped up his interview by saying that he believes the ideal position for him is on the right wing as a playmaker in order to take advantage of Mastantuono’s “dribbling ability, his passing, his vision of the game, and his magnificent left foot.”