JJ-Sports > Football > Argentina star Mastantono refuses Paris to choose Real Madrid

Argentina star Mastantono refuses Paris to choose Real Madrid

18-year-old Argentine star Franco Mastantono officially completed the transfer from Riverbed to Real Madrid on Thursday. He wore the No. 30 jersey and revealed at the debut ceremony that he had rejected the invitation from Paris Saint-Germain. The left-footed attacker said: "When Paris coach Enrique contacted me personally, I was moved by the sincerity he showed, but playing for Real Madrid was my dream since childhood." According to Opta data, he contributed 10 goals and 7 assists in 64 appearances in River Plate last season, and his pass success rate after cutting in the right was as high as 83%. This versatile trait is what Real Madrid coach Xavi Alonso values.

Mastantono's style of playing triggered interesting discussions - this counter-foot winger who was accustomed to roaming the right, was competent as the midfielder and the pseudo-Nine during the Riverbed. When asked about position preference, he showed maturity beyond age: "The coach let me play anywhere. My grandfather often tells the story of Distefano. It is lucky enough to play for this club that carries history." La Liga expert Gilliam Barrager pointed out in the column of "Marca" that his 2.3 runs per 90 minutes (from StatsBomb) can just fill the tactical gap in Real Madrid's right-hand attack.

In the spotlight of the Bernabeu, the Argentine U20 international is about to have a debut opportunity. But it is worth noting that among the under-18 players introduced directly from South America in the past decade, Vinicius only made more than 20 appearances in his first season (according to Transfermarkt statistics). Can Mastantono break the curse of the 'New World Genius Adaptation Period'? Its agent team revealed to the "Ole" that the club has formulated a special physical fitness plan for six months to cope with the intensity of European courts.

source:7m cn