Xabi Alonso’s first press conference of the new campaign carried more than the usual anticipation as the Real Madrid coach placed unexpected attention on a newcomer who has only just arrived from South America
Los Blancos will open their campaign against Osasuna on Tuesday night in Pamplona, and among the squad traveling north is 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono, a midfielder who arrived from River Plate earlier this summer.
Alonso revealed that the youngster is more than just an option for the future and could be handed a role right away.
The coach spoke openly about the qualities that have caught his attention since the player joined training.
“Franco Mastantuono has an incredible left foot. He’s very good and he can play tomorrow,” Alonso said [via Fabrizio Romano]
“He has the quality, the energy, he's committed defensively, good momentum, the Argentine competitive spirit. He's good with the final pass. He's at a very good level.”
⭐️🇦🇷 Xabi Alonso: “Franco Mastantuono has an incredible left foot. He’s very good and he can play tomorrow”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 18, 2025
“He has the quality, the energy, he's committed defensively, good momentum, the Argentine competitive spirit. He's good with the final pass. He's at a very good level”. pic.twitter.com/B3e50wdFHt
Osasuna stand in the way as Real Madrid seek bright start
Madrid arrive in Pamplona with expectations heavy on their shoulders after finishing second in the league last season.
The club strengthened its squad during the summer by adding Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool, Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, and Alvaro Carreras from Benfica alongside the youthful addition of Mastantuono.
Their competitive action in July included participation in the expanded Club World Cup, where their campaign ended in the semifinals against Paris Saint-Germain, while their only traditional warm-up produced a 4-0 victory over WSG Tirol in Austria.
Meanwhile Osasuna summer has been notably quiet. The club have made only two notable signings- Victor Munoz from Madrid’s academy system along with Valentin Rosier after his time with Leganes.
They lost Jesus Areso to Athletic Bilbao, which weakened their defense, and their preseason form produced just a single victory over Mirandes.
Real Madrid news and related links
- Mastantuono, Rodrygo & Rudiger: 3 key questions Real Madrid face in La Liga opener vs. Osasuna
- Endrick Felipe's return date revealed
- Real Madrid star touted as an 'heir' to Lionel Messi