With Jude Bellingham back to full fitness, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso faces the challenge of integrating the England international into his starting XI. While it is important to have someone lik...
With Jude Bellingham back to full fitness, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso faces the challenge of integrating the England international into his starting XI.
While it is important to have someone like Bellingham in the squad, this development, according to MARCA, could impact Franco Mastantuono, who has enjoyed a regular role in the team so far this season.
Mastantuono has become used to adapting quickly under pressure. After returning ahead of schedule from Argentina’s training camp midweek, he overcame a minor injury and immediately joined Xabi Alonso’s squad.
The Argentine has shown he can handle competition and the demands of top-level football with maturity, quickly securing a key position in the team’s setup.
Competition intensifies
However, new dynamics are emerging. Bellingham’s strong return, combined with Arda Guler’s impressive form, is tightening the midfield rotation and challenging Mastantuono’s role.
Despite joining Real Madrid just three months ago, the Argentine has adapted quickly to La Liga’s intensity and the demands of his new environment.
Franco Mastantuono now faces the real challenge. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
The post-international break period has made the competition clear. Bellingham has used the time to sharpen his performance and is now ready to reclaim his starting spot, while Guler is hitting a rich vein of form.
Both players now occupy territory close to Mastantuono’s role, adding depth to a midfield rotation that is starting to become more competitive.
Mastantuono’s challenge
For Mastantuono, the focus now is on maintaining the position he earned when Real Madrid was searching for reliable solutions.
With Bellingham and Guler asserting themselves, the Argentine will need to demonstrate that he remains an indispensable part of the squad.
His ability to perform consistently under pressure will determine whether he can keep his place in a team that now boasts multiple high-quality options.
Real Madrid’s depth is a sign of strength, but for Mastantuono, it also represents a significant challenge – one that will test both his talent and his resolve.
Category: General Sports
