Part of the issue I think we've seen with Pato is we tried to bulk him up too quickly. I do think the club have learnt from that experience, as we've seen guys like El Shaarawy and De Sciglio have been growing more naturally. I'm not too worried about Mastour ending up like Pato for the moment.
He might, if Barbara puts her hands on him.
Mastour just scored a sweet goal for the Primavera in the Coppa Italia. Second goal in this video.
Siamo a posto cosi.
It was a great goal. Very individual obviously, but he's got the ability to do that. What interested me more is Brocchi's comments on his performance (he came on as a sub I believe), where he was saying he was much more pleased about his teamwork and sacrifice than the goal. Very positive comments, as if I remember correctly it was only a week or two ago Brocchi was saying how Mastour's talent is known to everyone, but that's not enough for the top level and he has to play for the team.
Milan talent Hachim Mastour explained why he chose to represent Morocco and not Italy.
The 16-year-old was born in Italy to Moroccan parents and grew up in Reggio Emilia.
Despite the fact he is yet to make his Serie A debut, the prodigy has received his maiden call-up for the senior Morocco squad against Libya.
“I chose this national team because ultimately I feel more Moroccan than I do Italian, despite the fact I was born in that country,” Mastour told the FRMF website.
“I am very happy to have made this decision. It is an honour for me to be a part of this squad.”
Curious to see what happens now. Mastour will want space and frankly, if what's said by Silvio and Bee is true, that space might not be afforded to him. A real shame, because Silvio especially talks about competing with PSG and spending huge sums to be competitive, when Barca (or Bayern), with their work with La Masia and the success they've achieved by showing faith in their youngsters should be a model the club should be following.
For all the money City and PSG have spent, it's those clubs who have taken time to invest in their development that have achieved the best success, especially in Europe. Hell, even Real's La Decima side was built up of a lot of players that were signed years ago.