Real Madrid starlet urged to be daring like Lamine Yamal: ‘That’s what he has to do’

Franco Mastantuono arrived at Real Madrid last summer in a deal worth more than €60 million, and following a positive start to life in Spain, he has regressed in recent months.

At just 18 years of age, the Argentine prodigy is considered one of the club’s most promising prospects, a signing clearly made with the long term in mind.

However, despite his young age and recent arrival in Madrid, some voices are already demanding more from him, especially given his significant price tag.

Mario Kempes’ advice to Mastantuono

Now, former Argentina international Mario Kempes has shared his view on the current situation of Mastantuono at Real Madrid, calling on the young attacker to show more bravery and boldness on the pitch.

“It’s not easy, it’s not River, it’s not Boca… it’s Real Madrid. At Real Madrid, you have to win even in training. Mastantouno needs to be a little more daring, he needs to be more courageous,” said Kempes.

“If they brought him from River to Real Madrid, it’s because they saw potential in him, and today that potential isn’t working in his favor. If he doesn’t use that potential, he won’t last long.”

Going through a lean patch. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Citing Barcelona teenage sensation Lamine Yamal as an example, Kempes urged Mastantuono to be bolder on the pitch.

“He needs to get bolder, do what he did at River, shoot from outside the box, take on defenders…,” said the 71-year-old Argentine great.

“Lamine Yamal is more or less like that, look, he loses the ball, not often, but he does lose it, and he keeps asking for it. And he takes on defenders, and he shoots, and he plays.

“That’s what Mastantuono has to do, sacrifice himself 20 times more than Mbappé, or Vini, or anyone else. Even Rodrygo.”

Kempes also addressed the mental aspect of the game, saying: “Mentally? You have to prove it on the field, not just because you’re mentally sharp.”

“People will like you, yes, they value your effort, your will, but you have to be a protagonist, not just in some things. Believe you can be a star, but without letting it go to your head,” he concluded.

Source: AS