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Javier Saviola: “Mastantuono is nothing like Lamine Yamal. He resembles James Rodríguez”

Franco Mastantuono’s transfer to Real Madrid was made official today, and among the flood of reactions was one from a former prodigy who knows the exact path Mastantuono is walking — Javier Saviola.

Speaking to Marca, the former River Plate, Barcelona, and Real Madrid forward reflected on Mastantuono’s trajectory and drew comparisons between the two Argentine talents.

“It reminds me a lot of my first steps,” Saviola said. “I made my debut for River Plate when I was 16, and by 19 I was already at Barça. Mastantuono is now experiencing something similar.”

Mastantuono, only 17 years old, has already captured the imagination of Europe’s elite. His performances with River Plate and Argentina’s youth teams have earmarked him as one of South America’s brightest talents. For Saviola, however, it was important to clarify his playing style, which has been compared to Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.

“For me, he is nothing like Lamine Yamal,” Saviola expalined. “But he does resemble James Rodríguez. He’s a player Real Madrid likes.”

James Rodríguez was known for his cultured left foot, creativity, and intelligence in the final third — all traits that have appeared early in Mastantuono’s game.

But Saviola also spoke about the psychological toll that such a move entails.

“The hardest thing is leaving your surroundings, getting out of your comfort zone. Surrounding yourself well and adapting quickly is key,” he said. “If you can handle the pressure of playing at River Plate, you’re ready for Real Madrid.”

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