In a couple of days Real Madrid play hosts to bitter rivals FC Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the Xabi Alonso era.
Leading up to the match, Los Blancos have built up momentum with wins over Getafe and Juventus while injury issues are also letting up at the right time.
But, Alonso still has some intriguing selection dilemmas on his hands, one of which is on the right flank, where Brahim Diaz and Franco Mastantuono are battling for a starting berth.
Brahim sends a message before El Clasico
As reported by MARCA, Brahim has sent a strong message to Mastantuono and Alonso with his performance against Juventus, pushing for more involvement leading up to the Clasico.
The Moroccan international delivered an intelligent performance, full of rhythm and with that spark that always seems to lift those around him – eighty-eight per cent passing accuracy (45 out of 51), two chances created, four duels won, and only one lost ball.
Brahim earned the spotlight once again, reminding the manager that he does not need the adaptation period that the Argentine seems to require before shining in his own light.
Mastantuono experiencing a dip
Franco Mastantuono, Brahim Diaz, Real Madrid players
Mastantuono or Brahim – Alonso has to decide. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Mastantuono, meanwhile, finds himself in a different situation. With only a few minutes against Juventus, the Argentine appears to have lost some ground in a season that began with promise and excitement.
The 18-year-old Argentine’s nine starts and single goal make it clear that the talent is there, but the consistency is not yet. Alonso trusts him, but he also knows that El Clasico is not the place for uncertainty.
As such, the Real Madrid manager will have to decide between the guarantee of the present and the promise of the future – between Brahim’s immediate spark and the maturity Mastantuono is building through time and the opportunities he has had so far.
Mastantuono can give Real Madrid a more associative and explosive profile on the right wing, but he has not yet fully found his place. And Brahim has sent a message before the match that he is done waiting for his chances.