Football Wyscout Performance Analysis Recruiting

Franco Mastantuono - River Plate's Teen Sensation

06 Aug, 2024

4 Min Read

By Golazo

One of the most highly-rated young talents in Argentina, we use Wyscout data to analyze River Plate’s latest wonderkid

Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Endrick or further back with the likes of Marcelo, Fernando Gago or Gonzalo Higuaín; whether the signings prove to be major successes or not, when Real Madrid look to South America, it is for the best in class. Los Blancos’ attention has now focused on River Plate’s teenage star Franco Mastantuono, who might just be the next big thing out of Argentina.

Coping with such pressure isn’t easy and yet the 16-year-old has been pulling on River’s famous red sash for the past six months with the confidence of an accomplished veteran, while club records have tumbled in the process.

As a highly promising tennis player, Mastantuono delayed joining River’s academy until 2019 but quickly made an impression with youth coaches at the club leading to his first contract in August 2023, complete with a €30 million release clause.

Already training with the first team before his 16th birthday, the prodigious talent would become the club’s third youngest debutant in January 2024, before breaking the record of Javier Saviola to become the youngest ever goalscorer when netting in a Copa Argentina win over Excursionistas.

River shots vs Sarmiento & Mastantuono’s (28) winning free kick - Wyscout Match Report

Mastantuono’s confidence and importance to a stuttering River have grown symbiotically, culminating in his sensational late free-kick winner against Sarmiento, bringing an emotional end to Martín Demichelis’ time in charge of Los Millonarios.

A skilful left footer playing off the right, who drifts and drops into spaces to demand the ball into his feet, Mastantuono would be comfortable playing almost anywhere in the attack.

“At River, I always looked at Nacho Fernández, a very complete player to me. I also try to copy the movements of Matías Suárez and Julián Álvarez. And I always look at Messi, who is my idol. For me, the best in the world, by far.”

Mastantuono's dribble map - Wyscout Player Report

Whispered quietly and there are shades of a certain Argentine number 10 - that sweet left foot, the ball striking ability and of course, the dribbling. Hungry for the ball and good receiving on the half-turn, Mastantuono’s balance, quick feet and acceleration make him dangerous even in tight spots.

Fifth among attacking players in the Liga Profesional de Fútbol for received passes (45.36 per 90), Mastantuono is heavily involved. His eagerness to be in possession only matched by his desire to progress forward whether on the dribble (9.97 per 90) or with a pass.

Dribbles per 90 across all players in Argentina’s LPF - Wyscout Rankings

Second for dribbles across the league and 5th for passes (55.33 per 90) among attacking players, it’s clear to see why Mastantuono has been so prominent and why River have looked increasingly reliant on him in recent weeks.

River’s misfiring forward line, with the exception of Colombia Miguel Borja, is perhaps a reason Mastantuono’s creative numbers don’t stand out more but, despite only posting 0.07 xA, an 82.4% pass accuracy is still decent. 3.8 passes per 90 to the final third and 3.32 to the penalty area against opposition sides who present a low block, packing defenders around the 18-yard box demonstrate his vision and willingness to take risks in possession.

Mastantuono's ball progression - Wyscout Player Report

With three goals in River’s first team to date there is also more to come in terms of Mastantuono’s scoring. Third for number of shots (20 - 4.75 per 90) so far in the LPF, the teenager displays a variety to his shooting, equally able to strike from distance, as exhibited by the free-kick goal versus Sarmiento, or arriving in the penalty area.

Heavily left-footed and perhaps over eager to get shots off, which at times can mean the wrong choices are made, there are certainly aspects for Mastantuono to improve on.

Mastantuono's shot map - Wyscout Player Report

What is more of a takeaway from that though is the elite mindset of Mastantuono, a sixteen-year-old at one of the biggest clubs in South America and willing to be the difference maker. An awareness of his talent and a responsibility to the team to shoulder some of that burden.

And this responsibility goes beyond the highlight reel and is visible in the youngster’s workrate out of possession. Mastantuono ranks 9th for counterpressing recoveries (4.27 per 90) among attackers in the LPF carrying out his defensive duties with intensity.

Mastantuono's recovieres - Wyscout Player Report

During a transfer window in which young South American talents have been prominent Mastantuono certainly compares favourably.

Ecuadorian Kendry Páez will be joining Chelsea, so too will Brazil’s Estêvão for a fee which could rise as high as €60 million, while River Plate teammate Claudio Echeverri has already been snapped up by Manchester City.

Mastantuono compared to Paez, Echeverri and Estevao - Wyscout Player List

With Real Madrid negotiating with River Plate for Mastantuono around his release clause figure, similar to the €20+ million City paid for Echeverri, but half that of the amount Chelsea could end up paying Palmeiras for Estêvão, it shows the value that can be found in a struggling Argentine economy.

Whatever comes next for Mastantuono, there is no doubting we are talking about elite potential. His immediate future will still be with River as any European move won’t happen until he turns 18 (August 2025). With Marcelo Gallardo returning to the Monumental as manager, it promises to be an exciting year for the club and the teenager’s development.

Start your Wyscout free trial now.
Follow Golazo on Twitter.