Madrid are rocked by breaking news: Coach Xabi Alonso is likely to bench “young gem” Franco Mastantuono for the highly anticipated UEFA Champions League clash with Liverpool at Anfield. The decision, according to inside sources, comes after the young Argentine’s disappointing performance in the 4-0 win over Valencia last weekend.
Mastantuono, who has been dubbed “Real Madrid’s 17-year-old genius,” played the full 90 minutes – but failed to make a truly memorable impact. Despite showing impressive energy and movement off the ball, he lacked sharpness in one-on-one attacks, and was particularly lacking in confidence when finishing.
A source close to Valdebebas revealed:
“Xabi Alonso had high hopes for Franco against Valencia, but he appeared heavy and uninspired. That forced the coaching staff to reconsider his role against Liverpool.”
According to Madrid reporters, Alonso had a private conversation lasting nearly 15 minutes with Mastantuono after Monday morning’s training session. Although the content was not made public, it is rumored that the Spaniard asked the young player to “wake up” and regain his desire to play.
A member of the team shared:
“Alonso is not angry with him, just disappointed. He always stressed that Real has no place for mental fatigue.”
Madrid’s public opinion was immediately divided into two camps.
One side believed that Alonso was doing the right thing, helping Mastantuono relieve the pressure after a series of intense matches, while the other side worried that the fragile trust between coach and player could be shaken too soon.
Marca described this situation as “the first turning point” in Mastantuono’s journey at Real Madrid – where every player, whether young talent or superstar, must learn to live with pressure.
Former Real player Guti, when asked about Alonso’s decision, frankly commented:
“Franco is a real talent, but Real is not a place to learn to stand firm. Either he adapts quickly, or he is swallowed up.”
However, those close to the Royal team insist that Xabi Alonso still has absolute faith in Mastantuono’s huge potential, and that leaving him on the bench at Anfield is just “a natural part of the development of a young talent.”
An interesting detail: Mastantuono was seen leaving the Valdebebas training ground earlier than usual, his face pensive, not answering any questions from the media.
When asked about the situation of this 17-year-old player, Alonso just smiled coldly:
“I don’t bench players. I only choose people who are ready for the battlefield.”
With that statement, the fire of debate in Madrid flared up fiercely.
Is this just a psychological tactic of Alonso, or the first sign of a crisis of confidence between Real Madrid and the gem from Argentina?
