Real Madrid is gearing up to host Real Sociedad this Saturday, and coach Xabi Alonso already has his starting eleven in mind. While there will be very few changes, one decision has caught the attention of fans: Franco Mastantuono, one of the team’s brightest young stars, is expected to start on the bench.

A Strategic Rest

The decision is not performance-related. Mastantuono has impressed since his arrival, consistently delivering high-quality displays and even pushing aside established names like Rodrygo Goes and Brahim Díaz for a starting role on the right wing.

However, Alonso is thinking long term. The 16-year-old Argentine recently returned from international duty. Although he played just 30 minutes for his national team, the travel and accumulated workload were enough for the coach to consider giving him a rest.

Alonso’s message is clear: better to prevent than regret. By managing minutes carefully, he hopes to avoid the risk of fatigue or injuries that could affect Mastantuono’s availability later in the season.

Who Will Take His Place?

With Mastantuono out of the starting XI, Rodrygo and Brahim are the leading candidates to start on the right.

Rodrygo comes in well-rested, as he was not called up for Brazil’s recent fixtures. Brahim, meanwhile, traveled with Morocco but did not feature, leaving him fresh and ready if called upon.

The final choice will likely depend on Alonso’s tactical approach to the match, with Real Sociedad posing a significant challenge in La Liga.

Managing a Rising Star

Despite this temporary benching, there is no doubt about Mastantuono’s importance to the team. Alonso sees him as a key piece for both the present and the future, but his development will be handled with care.

Rotating him out for certain matches not only ensures his freshness but also maintains healthy competition within the squad. With Madrid competing across multiple fronts, squad depth and intelligent rotation will be crucial for sustained success.

Looking Ahead

For fans, Mastantuono’s absence from the starting eleven may come as a surprise, but it reflects Alonso’s long-term vision: balancing performance, rest, and talent development. When the Argentine does step onto the pitch, supporters can expect him to be fresh, sharp, and ready to make a difference.

Real Madrid’s strength has always been its ability to combine world-class experience with emerging stars. Mastantuono may be starting from the bench on Saturday, but his time to shine will continue throughout the season.