Martín Demichelis’ warning about Franco Mastantuono: “He has to continue learning”

River defeated Libertad and came first in their Copa Libertadores group with an ideal score after three games played. The team won 2 to 1 without achieving a convincing level of play, but thanks to the goals of Pablo Solari and the jewel of the squad, Franco Mastantuonogave a show of character after the blow against Boca in the League Cup.

Born in Azul and just 16 years old, Mastantuono became the youngest River player to score a goal in the Copa Libertadores. He entered 46 minutes into the match to replace Claudio Echeverri and At 80 he gave the Millonario the victory with a goal full of soccer daddy.

Martín Demichelis’ surprising response to Franco Mastantuono after his historic goal in River

After the game, Martin Demichelis was consulted about the impact of the youth in River and the coach surprised with his response: “The boys who came in from the substitute bench like Nacho (Fernández), like Manu (Lanzini), like Facundo (Colidio) and like Franco (Mastantuono) who even though he was erratic, scored a goal”, he said at first.

When asked about it, the coach explained: “Tomorrow (today) surely all the media will be inundated with news that he is the youngest player to score a goal in the Copa Libertadores in River’s history, but Let’s not confuse ourselves or him: he has to continue learning“, he stated.

And the coach clarified: “It is not a criticism, I speak from the honesty that I have towards football, with my team and for the player or with the individuals. It was very erratic. He scored the goal and it is important because he made us win and gave us three points, but he has to continue learning, So let the news be fair and necessary.”

Finally, he added: “I have the boys very present, very, very present. Franco Mastantuono, Ruberto, Dani Zabala debuted with me and guys will continue to appear at the right time.”

Franco Mastantuono’s goal to give River the victory against Libertad in the Copa Libertadores

River’s youngest scorers in the history of the Libertadores:

1. Franco Mastantuono: 16 years and 254 days
2. Javier Saviola: 17 years and 75 days
3. Fernando Cavenaghi: 17 years and 166 days
4. Claudio Echeverri: 18 years and 100 days.