Real Madrid have done some astute business in the mini transfer window that took place before the Club World Cup in June.
They signed three players, two of which started against Al-Hilal in Los Blancos' first match of the Club World Cup.
The third player, Franco Mastantuono, will play for River Plate for the entire tournament, and will join Real Madrid from August, when he turns 18 years old.
It is slightly late, but better late than never. Mastantuono is one of the biggest talents to come out of Argentina, and it was, in my eyes, a no-brainer for Real Madrid to sign a player of his quality.
In fact, he is so good that his future rival is complimenting him and his game.
Real Madrid’s newest signing just earned surprise praise from a rival
Mastantuono made his debut for Argentina recently, and his national teammate Julian Alvarez was asked about the 17-year-old's quality, to which he said great things, even though he will play for Atletico Madrid's biggest rivals in a month's time.
While speaking about the player, Alvarez said: "Franco Mastantuono is an incredible kid. He has impressive qualities, and a lot ahead of him. I wish him the best and hope he is very happy."
Those are great words from a rival. Mastantuono is a very young player at the moment, and will be Real Madrid's youngest player once he joins in August, which makes it so much better that a direct rival is complimenting him this way.
Real Madrid certainly need more creativity in midfield, and Mastantuono will help them a lot in that regard, right from the get go.
Los Blancos paid a lot of money for a player who has not even turned 18, but judging by how top players and managers talk about him, coupled by the way he actually plays on the pitch, it seems like a no brainer.
It will be exciting when he eventually joins.