Real Madrid News
Mourinho believes he can unleash 18-year-old Real Madrid prodigy after difficult first season
Jose Mourinho has a lot of questions to answer regarding who he wants to keep in the Real Madrid squad and who he would be willing to sacrifice.
Los Blancos are dealing with an overcrowded first-team squad, making exits non-negotiable, but it does look like teenager Franco Mastantuono has a good chance of staying.
According to Mario Cortegana, Mourinho likes Mastantuono and would not mind him staying in the squad this season.
The Real Madrid coach also believes he can make the teenager explode. That is an important shift because Mastantuono had been mentioned as one of the players who could leave on loan.
If Mourinho sees something special in him, Real Madrid may decide that keeping him close is better than sending him away.
A talent Mourinho wants to shape
Mastantuono is still young, so the debate is about development. A loan would offer minutes, but staying at Madrid would give him daily work under Mourinho and direct exposure to elite teammates.
That can be powerful for the right player. Mourinho has never been afraid of strong personalities or intense environments, and if he believes Mastantuono can handle it, that says something about the club’s faith in him.
The key word is “explode.” Madrid do not just see him as a squad filler. They see a player with a high ceiling, someone who could make a jump if managed properly.
For Mourinho, that kind of left-footed attacking talent can be useful across a long season, especially if he can learn to contribute to the Portuguese manager’s demands.
Real Madrid must choose the right path
Still, Real Madrid need to be careful. Keeping Mastantuono only makes sense if there is a real plan for him.
The squad is crowded, and young players need more than admiration. They need minutes, responsibility and a clear role, even if that role starts small.
If Mourinho believes he can accelerate the South American wonderkid’s growth, it would make sense to keep him around.
Mastantuono represents the kind of high-upside bet the club like: young, gifted and capable of becoming much more than his current level.
Last season may not have done justice to the potential that he possesses, and it remains to be seen what Los Blancos decide with the player’s future.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid legend Raul sends message to Vinicius after Bernabeu whistles: ‘Has to know the crowd is very demanding’
Real Madrid and Spain legend Raul Gonzalez has given his opinion on Vinicius Jr. being whistled at by fans at the Santiago Bernabeu last night during the game against Inter Milan.
One of the main talking points from the match, which Los Blancos won 2-1, was the reaction of the Santiago Bernabeu crowd to Vinicius, who was booed by sections of the stadium.
Raul defends Vinicius’ work without the ball
Speaking after the game, Raul claimed that was impressed by the Brazilian’s contribution defensively, even though he felt Vinicius was not at his best going forward.
“He was very committed defensively. He contributed a lot and defended like one of the team. He wasn’t quite at his best going forward and then Mourinho congratulated him,” he said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
The former Real Madrid striker also warned Vinicius that expectations at the Bernabeu are extremely high.
“He has to know that the Bernabeu crowd is very demanding and always wants the maximum.”
Raul believes the Brazilian is simply going through a temporary dip in form and expects him to return to his best soon.
“He’s not at his best at the moment, but I’m sure that in one or two weeks he’ll be back at his maximum level. He’s a player who never gives up and always tries to be at his best,” he stated.
An important result
Looking at the match as a whole, Raul felt the most important thing was securing victory against a well-organised Inter side.
“The best thing is that they got the three points. It wasn’t easy because Inter are a team with a very well-worked structure and Madrid had several absences in midfield,” he said.
“The goals for Madrid came from mistakes in the build-up. Then they had some very clear chances and Inter’s goal created uncertainty at the end, but it’s a good result to start the campaign,” the legendary striker added.
Raul singled out Thibaut Courtois for particular praise, highlighting the goalkeeper’s importance to Real Madrid’s ambitions this season, saying:
“He was one of the best players in the match. He’s been performing at a very high level over the last few seasons and has always been there when he’s been needed.”
“He has kept the team alive. I think he’s a fundamental player and gives a team the balance not only to win matches, but to win titles at the end of the year.”
Raul believes Real Madrid missed Guler, backs Mbappe for Ballon d’Or
The former Real Madrid captain also identified something he felt was missing from Mourinho’s side: a player of Arda Guler’s quality.
“A profile like his was missing. He has a lot of enthusiasm and is very motivated,” he stated.
Raul believes the Turkish midfielder can provide an important creative link with the attacking players, alongside Bernardo Silva.
“He’s the one who can provide passes to the players further forward, together with Bernardo Silva. Both have experience and, as he adapts to the demands of the level, everything will be much better,” he added.
Raul was also asked about the Ballon d’Or and specifically Kylian Mbappe’s chances of winning the award.
He acknowledged the Frenchman’s quality and his strong year, while noting that the award has changed considerably compared with previous eras.
“He has quality. I think he’s had a great year,” he noted.
“I’d like it to be a Spaniard, but if it isn’t a Spaniard, I’d vote for Kylian,” Raul concluded.
