Be like Yamal — Argentina World Cup winner advises Real Madrid star

Legendary Argentine midfielder Mario Kempes has weighed in on Franco Mastantuono’s struggles at Real Madrid, stating the teenager has to emulate Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal if his fortunes at the club are to turn around.

Los Blancos doled out €63.2 million for the teenage star from River Plate, beating top European clubs from around Europe to his signing. The Argentine midfielder had a bright start at the club, as Alonso trusted him. However, injuries and poor form have seen him relegated to a bit-part player.

Kempes, who won two LALIGA Golden Boots with Valencia and the World Cup with Argentina, discussed Mastantuono’s situation recently, urging him to be more courageous and daring.

"It’s not easy; it’s not River, it’s not Boca… it’s Real Madrid," Kempes said, per Goal. "At Real Madrid, you have to win even in training. Mastantuono needs to be a little more daring; he needs to be more courageous.

"If they brought him from River to Real Madrid, it’s because they saw potential in him, and today that potential isn’t working in his favour. If he doesn’t use that potential, he won’t last long."

Kempes believes that Mastantuono has to take more risks, referencing Lamine Yamal, who is famed for his bravery when taking on defenders.

"He needs to get bolder, do what he did at River, shoot from outside the box, take on defenders… Lamine Yamal is more or less like that. Look, he loses the ball, not often, but he does lose it, and he keeps asking for it.”

“And he takes on defenders, and he shoots, and he plays. That’s what Mastantuono has to do: sacrifice himself 20 times more than Mbappe, or Vini, or anyone else. Even Rodrygo.

 "Mentally? You have to prove it on the field, not just because you’re mentally sharp," Kempes argued. "People will like you; yes, they value your effort, your will, but you have to be a protagonist, not just in some things. Believe you can be a star, but without letting it go to your head."