Why incoming Real Madrid wonderkid Franco Mastantuono is more James Rodriguez than Lamine Yamal as comparisons between Barcelona & Blancos starlets are rubbished

Gabriel Orlando Rodríguez, River Plate's youth director, has dismissed comparisons between Mastantuono and the Spanish winger as, despite their closeness in age, he considers the Argentine to be a different profile of player. Rodriguez suggested that the young attacking midfielder is closer in style to playmakers James Rodriguez and Marcelo Gallardo - Mastantuono's boss at River Plate - and lacks the explosiveness of Yamal. 

Speaking to AS, Rodriguez said: “They are the same age, but I see a style much more similar to James Rodríguez or Marcelo Gallardo, although the current River coach was right-footed. 

"He is not as explosive as Lamine Yamal. He is a footballer who thinks, observes the field, his teammates and analyses the options that the game offers him. He is very intelligent and has the ability to make the team improve. He is the ideal place to take advantage of his dribbling, his passing, his vision of the game and his magnificent left foot.”

There is a lot of excitement surrounding the young Mastantuono, who sealed his move to Los Blancos before the Club World Cup. The 17-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best talents to develop in South America in recent years and his talent was always going to draw comparisons with similarly talented teenagers. Despite this fanfare of hype, Mastantuono will take some time adapting to a new team, league and continent and might not make an immediate impact for Los Blancos. Even if it takes a bit of time for the wonderkid to adapt, Xabi Alonso has big plans for him and was key to convincing Mastantuono to join the club.  

Mastantuono will join his Real Madrid teammates next week when he turns 18. The youngster will join as the lowest-paid player at the club, but will no doubt have his eyes set on making a huge impact at another massive club.