Franco Mastantuono has been heavily impressive since arriving at Real Madrid this summer.
The young prodigy finally got his first goal for the Merengues on Tuesday, when he found the back of the net in the 4-1 win over UD Levante.
The 18-year-old Argentine gem has quickly won over Xabi Alonso and his staff, but Jude Bellingham’s return to fitness could jeopardise his position in the team, as one of Mastantuono or Arda Guler might have to be sacrificed.
When asked about Bellingham’s comeback from injury and whether it complicates things for him at Real Madrid, Mastantuono was effusive in praise of his Real Madrid teammate.
"An incredible player! If we can play with twelve, even better! Bellingham is incredible, incredible. A player who impressed me, a wonderful person and a unique footballer," he said.
"Honestly, I’ve never seen a player like him: great authority, presence on the pitch. I hope he can play as soon as possible, because he’s going to help us a lot," Mastantuono added.
On being asked to name the Real Madrid who had surprised him the most since joining the club, Mastantuono had no hesitation in picking Bellingham, as he said:
" Bellingham, Bellingham. For the reason I just mentioned: he has a presence and authority that I have never seen before. His calmness and determination make him a unique player."
Regarding what has surprised him the most about Real Madrid so far, the teenager replied: "Above all, the humility of my teammates, what good people they are."
" Carvajal has won six Champions Leagues and is an incredible person, very humble, a leader."
"The same goes for Kylian, Vinicius, Jude… they’re players who exude great humility, who support you, and the truth is, that’s very important for all my teammates. And to feel this comfortable."
Tuesday night will be a memorable one for Mastantuono, considering he finally got his first goal in Real Madrid colours. Reminiscing the moment, he stated.
"Well… I missed a lot today too (laughs), but luckily it came. To be honest, I was expecting it."
"It wasn’t the main thing on my mind, but it was a step towards gaining confidence and establishing myself in this team, which is getting better and better. I’m really happy that this goal has come."
Talking about how easily he has settled into things at Real Madrid despite being at the club for only a little over a month, Mastantuono elaborated.
"I feel very comfortable. It seems like I’ve been here longer, but that’s thanks to the work of my teammates, the team; it’s very nice to compete like this, to train."
"This work we share, which is a passion, is very enjoyable. If it seems like I’ve been here longer… it’s thanks to the lads who have given me a lot of confidence and made me feel at home."
Continuing on the matter, he added: "I don’t think it’s my whole life, but, as I said before, I feel very comfortable. The team has made me feel that way: they’re very good teammates and people."
"It’s not easy coming to a new club, to a new life… where you have to adapt again, after leaving your family. But thanks to them and this great club that makes you feel at home, I’m very comfortable. That’s why it may seem like I’ve been here longer."
On whether he has been forced to change his game or the way he plays to adapt to Real Madrid, Mastantuono replied.
"No, no, no, I’m always myself. I try to impose my game, my personality on the game to help the team. I think they sought me out for a reason. Because of who I am. I’m always going to try to help the team and be as useful as possible to my teammates."
"And above all, I want the team to win, because that’s what’s important, not individual achievements. The priority is for the team to function, to have the chemistry we’re enjoying… because individual achievements will come later, on their own."
When asked about how much percentage of the true Mastantuono that fans have seen at Real Madrid so far, the youngster responded by saying.
"Well… I’m just getting used to a new league, a new team, a new life… because I come from Argentina and it’s a big leap to come to Europe. I’m starting to feel comfortable, better and better, and that’s what matters."
"I started slowly, but I’m gaining confidence, with the feeling that I have a lot to give to the team. And that this year is going to be incredible for me and for everyone."