Mastantuono: The three virtues he showed with River and the truth Real Madrid should know.

Franco Mastantuono made his debut in the Club World Cup on Tuesday, a match in which he left a good impression in River Plate's 3-1 victory over Urawa Red Diamonds . The young Argentine, Real Madrid's latest signing to date, was one of the match's big draws, as many Real Madrid fans wanted to discover first-hand what the 17-year-old could offer, and the Madrid side have gone all out to secure him.

It's true that it wasn't the young Argentine talent's finest match, but it did serve to confirm the signs of the great footballer that Mastantuono is . Overall, three key elements can be highlighted that perfectly define the left-footed player from Azul, as well as a premise that Real Madrid fans should be very clear about from the start if they don't want to get their hopes up or have any doubts about his arrival at the Whites . In fact, he needs to let go of the pressure.

Against Urawa, we saw a very active player, eager to have the ball and possessing a certain command of the pitch . Despite his youth, we saw a footballer unafraid to hide, intent on commanding his team's attacks, and, above all, possessing sufficient character. But what are the three great virtues that Mastantuono demonstrated in his first match at the Club World Cup? Three qualities that will fit perfectly at Real Madrid .

A left leg that is gold

The quality that Mastantuono possesses in his left foot is of an extremely high level . A footballer who loves the ball and is capable of putting it where he wants , with a unique intelligence to give continuity to the team's attack without slowing down the game . In fact, Facundo Colidio 's goal was preceded by a ball that reached the next Real Madrid player who, with great reading, knew how to see behind the rival defense to put a great ball to Marcos Acuña , from where the cross that ended in goal came.

A huge vision of the game

He may have lacked some continuity against Urawa, but despite being constantly crowded by three opponents, he was able to find spaces to create attacking plays for his team . He touched the ball 54 times, with 27 progressive passes towards the attack, with an 87% success rate . However, he showed clear glimpses of his ability to find spaces in a tight match where some sparks of magic could be seen, always looking for depth.

Tireless in pressure

But if Mastantuono excelled at anything, it was something that Real Madrid fans will love : high pressing . He gave his all by pressing the opposing team's exit, with great energy and strength, something that has been sorely missed this year in Real Madrid. We saw an intense footballer, with enough legs to run back and help his team . But he especially worked tirelessly when opening the ball to the opponent, showing that he is much more than just a good player on the ball.

Of course, having praised all the virtues of Mastantuono, it is also important that Real Madrid fans shouldn't get too excited about the Argentine, as if his signing were that of a player who has to change teams as soon as he arrives in Madrid. Yes, he's a great player with many qualities, but it's also time to understand that he's moving from Argentine to European football, with teammates he doesn't know, a city he'll have to adapt to, and that results will take time.

Not even the best footballer has performed as brilliantly immediately upon arriving at a new team. It's time for his mind to mature, for opportunities to come his way, and for him to seize them to become indispensable in the short term. Xabi Alonso will have to find a way to discover his place in the team, while also becoming comfortable in his new role. That doesn't mean he won't shine from the start, but expecting a player capable of leading an entire Real Madrid team from day one is almost a pipe dream.

River Plate's manager, Marcelo Gallardo , himself spoke clearly about the role Mastantuono must assume, especially in these days when all the spotlights are on him : "He has to focus on playing and nothing else." The key is to demand the maximum from himself, but without setting short-term goals and, above all, continuing to enjoy the ball every time he plays. He arrives at Madrid to become an important part of the squad . He has the quality and the head. It's his time.