Franco Mastantuono’s dream start at Real Madrid has unexpectedly hit turbulence, raising concerns within the Argentina national team. The young Argentine midfielder, once a consistent starter, now finds his playing time sharply reduced under new manager Álvaro Arbeloa, sparking questions about his form ahead of crucial international fixtures.
According to Spanish sports daily Mundo Deportivo, Mastantuono’s position in the squad has changed dramatically since Arbeloa assumed control. Initially, the midfielder was a key figure:
In Arbeloa’s first six matches, Mastantuono started five games, scoring once.
He averaged over 70 minutes per game, signalling the manager’s trust in him.
However, the situation shifted abruptly following the match against Rayo Vallecano. Mastantuono’s minutes have since plummeted, and he has struggled to feature in key fixtures.
| Date / Match | Role | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|
| vs Rayo Vallecano | Starter | 75 |
| vs Valencia | Substitute | 8 |
| vs Real Sociedad | Did not play | 0 |
| vs Benfica (Champions League) | Did not play | 0 |
| vs Osasuna | Did not play | 0 |
| Total (last 4 matches) | – | 13 |
This stark reduction in playing time is particularly alarming for Argentina, with the Finalissima against Spain scheduled for 27 March and the World Cup in June. Regular match minutes and consistent performance are vital for securing a place in the national squad, and Mastantuono’s current lack of game time at Real could jeopardise his international prospects.
River Plate legend Norberto Alonso weighed in on the situation, noting:
“He is being sidelined. I believe the young player might need to move to a lower-tier club, prove himself, and only then could he potentially return to Real.”
At a club like Real Madrid, opportunities for young players are limited, and the pressure to adapt quickly is intense. Those who fail to secure regular minutes often face loans, transfers, or being frozen out of the first team entirely. Mastantuono’s sudden marginalisation underscores this harsh reality and poses a serious challenge to his development.
For the Argentina national team, keeping Mastantuono match-fit and in form is crucial. With major international tournaments approaching, his ability to regain confidence and playing time could be decisive—not only for his career at Real but also for his role on the world stage.