Who is Hachim Mastour and is he ready for first-team football?

Hachim Mastour Player Profile:
Date of Birth: June 15, 1998 (15 years old)
Place of Birth: Reggio Emilia, Italy
Nationality: Italy
Height: 175cm
Weight: 63kg
Position(s): FWD, CAM
Squad Number: 98

Hachim Mastour is an Italian-Moroccan player, who was called up to the first team May 13, 2014   but did not get into Milan's final match of the season v Sassuolo despite speculation that he would become the youngest player ever to play for Milan at age 15, surpassing the great Paolo Maldini who debuted at age 16.

Milan acquired Mastour back in the summer of 2012 at the age of 14 for €500,000. According to Goal.com, Inter, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus and Manchester City were among the clubs Milan had to battle to obtain the wonder kid prodigy. Shockingly, Milan beat out many elite clubs to get Mastour in their system which is exciting for Milan fans everywhere.

Less than two years since arriving to Milan, Mastour was called up to the first team in a move that shocked everyone as he is still a very raw talent. His skill and ability is off the charts and his potential is sky high but is Hachim Mastour ready to play first tier, top flight football in Italy for Milan? Let's break it down.

Mastour, aged 15, can play as an attacking midfielder or a winger, two positions Milan have a handful of. Mastour would have to battle El Shaarawy, Kaka, Honda, Robinho, Saponara, Cristante and Taarabt, if he stays, in order to get minutes for Milan. Being as he is an extremely raw talent who hasn't played more than two matches with Inzaghi's Primavera side (U-20), its hard to imagine he would make an immediate impact for Milan regardless of who manages the club next season. Sure, we have all seen the Youtube clips of his brilliance with the ball at his feet, his pitch awareness to attack and juggling drills with Neymar. However, he is making a drastic leap from Allievi Nazionali (U-16) to top-flight European football and at a time where Milan is no longer the powerhouse side they once were.

The bottom line is that while Hachim Mastour has incredible ability, will sell tickets and can generate excitement for Milan fans, he should not be playing for the first team next season. Mastour needs at least one, maybe two full seasons with the Primavera before being called up. This is El Shaarawy, Cristante and Saponara's time. Mastour will get his chance with Milan sooner rather than later but let's not push this kid too soon. He is very important to the future of Milan and he shouldn't be rushed. Hachim Mastour, we are very excited to have you at Milan and we look forward to having you be a huge star for the Rossoneri for years to come. Forza Hachi!


References:
Goal.com