Real Madrid’s rising star Franco Mastantuono has opened up about his tactical evolution under Álvaro Arbeloa, admitting that the new coaching staff has given him the “freedom” he lacked during the early stages of the season.
The Arbeloa Effect: Confidence is Key
In a candid interview with Nacho Peña on DSports, the 18-year-old Argentine reflected on the managerial shift at the Santiago Bernabéu. While Mastantuono was quick to show respect to former coach Xabi Alonso, he highlighted a significant change in his role under Arbeloa.
“Álvaro and his entire coaching staff instilled a lot of confidence in me, which is fundamental for any player,” Mastantuono stated. “I’m playing with more freedom now. I’m very grateful to them because that trust is what allows us to achieve our goals.”
Leaving River Plate: “The Opportunity of a Lifetime”
The transition hasn’t been purely tactical; it’s been emotional. Mastantuono discussed the “difficult” decision to leave River Plate, the club that supported his family since he was 13.
“On one hand, there was the love of my childhood. On the other, the opportunity of a lifetime: Real Madrid. I knew this was my dream, and the dream of so many others, and I had to follow it,” the midfielder explained.
Making History at the Bernabéu
The youngster is already proving his worth on the world’s biggest stage. He recently played a starring role in Real Madrid’s 6-1 thrashing of Monaco in the Champions League, scoring a clinical third goal that sent the home crowd into a frenzy.
“Scoring a goal for Real Madrid at the Bernabéu is pure adrenaline. It’s a unique feeling, almost impossible to explain,” he added. With two goals in his last five appearances, Mastantuono is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of Arbeloa’s “new-look” Madrid side.
Gabriel Lucio is a football analyst covering La Liga, focusing on match analysis, tactical trends, and the race for domestic and European positions.
