Xabi Alonso has backed new signing Franco Mastantuono to “combine in a short time” forward of Actual Madrid’s LaLiga curtain-raiser in opposition to Osasuna on Tuesday.
Los Blancos are getting ready to make their 2025-26 bow after they tackle Los Rojillos on the Santiago Bernabeu, as they appear to make amends for a trophyless 2024-25 marketing campaign.
Mastantuono, who made his debut for Argentina in a World Cup qualifier in opposition to Chile in June, had already made 64 appearances and scored 10 targets for River Plate earlier than sealing a transfer to the Spanish capital.
Madrid have collected 4 new faces throughout the switch window, additionally including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alvaro Carreras and Dean Huijsen, and Alonso thinks 18-year-old Mastantuono could make a direct influence.
Mastantuono
@RaulAsencio7 pic.twitter.com/XHVaeR4AZN— Actual Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) August 18, 2025
When requested about his first impressions of Mastantuono, Alonso stated: “The primary time I spoke to him, I used to be actually struck by his character.
“He was nonetheless solely 17 years previous and really self-confident. He wasn’t afraid of taking the step to return to Actual Madrid.
“You may see his maturity, his need, his high quality. He’s going to combine in a short time into the workforce.
“He has an unbelievable left foot. He’s superb and he can play [on Tuesday]. He has the standard, the vitality, he’s dedicated defensively, has good momentum and that Argentine aggressive spirit. He’s good with the ultimate cross. He’s at an excellent stage”.
Mastantuono may very well be in line to make his aggressive debut for Madrid in opposition to Osasuna, a membership who haven’t received on the Bernabeu in additional than 20 years, with their final victory coming within the type of a 3-0 win in 2004.