Once a regular starter under coach Alvaro Arbeloa, Franco Mastantuono has seen his playing time dramatically reduced at Real Madrid. The Argentine midfielder, who started five of the first six games under the new manager, has managed just 13 minutes across the last four matches.
This sudden drop in minutes has sparked concern in Argentina, with the Finalissima against Spain on March 27 and the World Cup in June fast approaching. River Plate icon Norberto Alonso offered a blunt assessment, saying "They're killing him. I think that kid is going to end up in a lower-level team."