He excites more than Nico Paz and Franco Mastantuono, it's €130M, Real Madrid needs him

Real Madrid has plenty of talent in the attacking midfield area. Xabi Alonso has a range of young and very talented footballers at his disposal. However, the one who's winning over the Bernabéu fans the most is Franco Mastantuono.

At 18 years old, Franco Mastantuono has become one of the season's biggest sensations. His ability to adapt to different positions and his outstanding vision make him a unique player. He can play as a classic attacking midfielder or drift out wide, always with a natural ease that recalls the great talents of South American soccer.

Since his arrival, Xabi Alonso has given him responsibility, and the Argentine has replied with performances full of personality. In important matches, he doesn't hide and he feels more and more comfortable at Real Madrid. However, next season could bring unexpected competition for the young Argentine talent.

Nico Paz will return to Real Madrid

The reason is none other than the imminent return of Nico Paz, who's dazzling in Serie A with Como. The Argentine attacking midfielder, developed in Madrid's youth academy, has made a tremendous leap in maturity in Italy. In seven matchdays, he's been directly involved in eight goals—four goals and four assists—numbers of a true top player.

The club is delighted with his progress and they're not planning to let the opportunity to bring him back slip away. Florentino Pérez kept a buy-back option for less than €10 million, a bargain compared to the footballer's current performance. Therefore, barring any surprises, Nico Paz will return to the Bernabéu next summer to strengthen an attacking line already full of talent.

Neither Nico Paz nor Franco Mastantuono, better a €130 million signing

In the locker room and in the stands, there's a lot of excitement about imagining Madrid with Franco Mastantuono and Nico Paz sharing minutes. However, as promising as that scenario may seem, Real Madrid's present still has one name above the rest: Jude Bellingham.

The Englishman arrived at Real Madrid with the status of a global star and cost around €130 million, a figure that demands constant excellence. His first season was brilliant, with 23 goals and 13 assists, true leader's numbers. Jude Bellingham surely wants to repeat those numbers.

The club believes that Jude Bellingham is still the pillar on which the project is built. Xabi Alonso fully trusts him and has told him that the team needs to recover his best version immediately. His ability to get into the box, his physical power, and his determination in key moments make him an indispensable footballer.

The challenge for Jude will be to regain the influence he had in his first year and keep at bay the pressure from the young talents coming up strong. Both Franco Mastantuono and Nico Paz represent future hope, but the present still belongs to the Englishman. Everyone at the Bernabéu knows it: if Jude Bellingham gets back to his level, there's no player in the world who can compete with him.