Real Madrid News
Real Madrid loanee in line for a starting opportunity with national team in a new role
Franco Mastantuono could be closing in on a starting role for Argentina after Lionel Scaloni tested the Real Madrid loanee in an unfamiliar position during preparations for the friendly against Bolivia.
According to AS, Scaloni used Mastantuono on the right side of midfield in a projected starting XI, suggesting the youngster is firmly in line to start for the Argentina manager.
The opportunity comes after Mastantuono missed out on the 2026 World Cup due to limited playing time at Real Madrid.
His subsequent loan move to Fiorentina was intended to give him the regular football needed to rebuild his momentum, and it has changed his situation with the national team.
Mastantuono’s Fiorentina form opens Argentina door
The decision to send Mastantuono to Serie A has already begun producing the desired effect.
The Argentine has been a regular starter since joining Fiorentina, who have undergone managerial changes this season already.
He has made seven appearances across Serie A and the Coppa Italia, scoring three times.
One of those goals came in the victory over Venezia, a performance that recalled the qualities Mastantuono displayed during his breakthrough at River Plate.
Those performances were a major reason Real Madrid moved for him in the first place.
Now they are helping him rebuild his standing with Argentina. After being left out of the World Cup because of his lack of minutes, regular football in Italy has given Mastantuono a platform to prove that he can handle a more prominent role.
Scaloni tests Real Madrid youngster in midfield
Scaloni’s decision to use Mastantuono on the right side of midfield could be particularly important.
This is because the Argentina coach has included the youngster alongside Nico Paz and Julian Alvarez in the projected team for the Bolivia friendly.
Alvarez remains part of Scaloni’s plans despite his reduced prominence at Atletico Madrid, while Mastantuono is pushing from a very different position after his strong start in Italy.
Notably, his previous experiences with Argentina’s senior side have not produced many memorable moments, but the current international break offers an opportunity to change that.
Real Madrid News
English legend backs Real Madrid star to become one of the all-time greats: ‘He’s got everything’
Jude Bellingham has spent the past fortnight as the most talked-about footballer in England, and the superlatives show no sign of slowing down.
A masterclass in the Nations League, a clutch of records and a second straight Player of the Year award has not gone unnoticed in English footballing media.
Now one of the English game’s most respected voices has added his name to the growing list of believers.
Lineker backs Bellingham
Asked whether Bellingham can go on to become one of the greatest players of all time, England legend Gary Lineker left no room for doubt.
“Yes, I’ve been saying it for a long time now. If he avoids serious injury or falls of the rails which he won’t I’m sure.
“He’s so good at football, he’s got everything. He’s a superstar and carries himself like a superstar,” he said (h/t Track Radio).
The verdict chimes comes in the midst of a wider chorus of acclaim in recent days. Roy Keane tipped him to become one of the greatest of all time after the Croatia rout, with Ian Wright and Micah Richards among others queuing up to praise him.
Backed by the numbers
The acclaim for Bellingham comes on the back of an extraordinary international break for Bellingham.
Against Croatia, Bellingham scored one and created three in the 7-0 win, becoming the first England player to record four goal involvements in a single game since David Platt in 1993.
He finished the window with one goal and four assists and was named UEFA’s Player of the Round.
That international excellence has carried over to the Bernabeu, where he has settled into a free number 10 role under Jose Mourinho and sits as the club’s joint-leading creator.
Bellingham was part of Real Madrid’s recent 1-0 win over Villarreal as well, and was unlucky not to register an assist when Vinicius Jr.’s goal was disallowed.
The Englishman will be looking to make an impact once again when Real Madrid take on AS Roma this Wednesday.
