Rodrygo and Franco Mastantuono backed for important Real Madrid roles as Xabi Alonso praises pair after La Liga win

Rodrygo and Mastantuono were handed starts against Oviedo in Real's second La Liga fixture of the season. While Mastantuono was promised minutes by Alonso ahead of the Osasuna game, Rodrygo did not feature in the season opener. But the Brazilian starting over Brahim Diaz on Sunday raised a few eyebrows, as he has been linked with a move away from the Spanish club for the last few months. 

Rodrygo failed to impress in his maiden start of the season and, like 18-year-old Mastantuono, was substituted just over 20 minutes into the second half. The Brazilian attacker has attracted interest from the Premier League and while the club are reportedly open to selling him, though they will leave it up to the player to decide. Alonso, though, made clear he hopes to be able to count on Rodrygo this season, while he expressed his optimism about the Argentine wonderkid.

The coach said about Rodrygo: "He played a good game. They link up well on that side. He had a few shots, and it was difficult to find openings with Oviedo so deep. I liked it. We need everyone, and Rodrygo is just another one."

Regarding Mastantuono, he commented: "Franco had a great game. In a short time, he's connected with the group and seems very integrated. He'll give us a lot. He has great energy and a great left foot. He'll only continue to improve within the group dynamic."

Los Blancos will return to the Bernabeu on August 30, when they host Mallorca in La Liga. Mastantuono and Rodrygo will hope to feature in that game too.