Real Madrid miss Mastantuono

In the context of Real Madrid needing to regain coherence in their playing style, Mastantuono's return is more important than any statistics.

At 18, the Argentine midfielder is not the type of player who creates explosive moments or has a brilliant scoring record. But it is his “silent” influence that Real Madrid have been lacking in their recent slump.

There are players whose contribution is most evident in the way the team operates when they are on the pitch, and in the gaps they leave when they are not. Mastantuono falls squarely into this category. He doesn’t play much, but when he is given the chance, he makes an immediate difference.

Real Madrid have won all nine of their games when Mastantuono has started. In contrast, in the last five games without him, Xabi Alonso's team have won just one. Those numbers are no coincidence.

Mastantuono’s main strength is that he helps Real keep their attacks from breaking down. The right wing becomes smoother, more streamlined and more organized when he is on it. He takes the initiative to ask for the ball, is responsible for escaping pressure and creates the necessary rhythm for the whole system.

Mastantuono has made quiet contributions to Real Madrid.

Without Mastantuono, Real became out of position, playing heavily on the left and losing their versatility. The match against Girona was the clearest example: 40% of the development was on the left, while the right was abandoned.

Real's recent decline certainly isn't down to just one injury. System changes, a busy schedule and a long injury list have all contributed to the problems.

However, there is no denying the fact that Mastantuono helps Xabi operate more effectively. He moves between the lines, fills gaps, provides support for his teammates and stretches the opponent's defensive structure. That is something that the 4-3-1-2 cannot compensate for when there is no one in the right role.

Mastantuono only scored one goal, and that further proves that his difference does not come from familiar stats. The courage to play football at the age of 18, the ability to adapt to a pressured environment and the composure in every handling phase are the most valuable qualities. Real do not need Mastantuono to be the most outstanding player on the field, but only need him to create "coherence" in every phase of the ball.

Xabi has just confirmed that Mastantuono has fully recovered and is back in training. He can start in the near future. No one dares to expect this return to solve all the problems, but it is clear that Mastantuono is an important piece. A subtle, quiet glue, but keeping the team running on the right orbit.

And in a time when Real Madrid need stability, sometimes an “invisible factor” is the most obvious answer.

Source: https://znews.vn/real-madrid-nho-mastantuono-post1607894.html