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EXCLUSIVEWhy River Plate want to tell the world they are the benchmark for youngsters - and the 17-year-old wonderkid bound for Real Madrid who is threatening to light up the Club World Cup

When River Plate kick off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign against Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds, the global spotlight will be on more than just their performance on the pitch.

Talk Argentine superstars - Alfredo Di Stefano, Ariel Ortega, Hernan Crespo, Javier Mascherano, Gonzalo Higuain - and they all have one thing in common: graduates of River Plate's academy.

As that spotlight falls on today's team, it threatens to shine even brighter as the world awaits a closer view of 17-year-old prodigy Franco Mastantuono. A left-footed attacking midfielder who promises to be River's standout player in this tournament.