The Tragedy of Endrick

Endrick is struggling at Real Madrid.

Endrick’s journey at Real Madrid – at least so far – is one of them. From the boy dubbed “little Romario”, welcomed by Florentino Perez with a bright smile in the Bernabéu ballroom, to a pensive face on the bench, all in just one year.

At 19, Endrick is facing the first turning point in a career that should have been explosive. The player who scored for Brazil at Wembley, who had Europe fighting for him at the age of 16, is now preparing to leave Madrid – not because he is not talented, but because he has no place. A loan move in January seems almost certain, and the destination could be England, where he smiled on his first day in the Selecao shirt.

When Bernabéu has no more room for "kids"

Ironically, Endrick joined Real Madrid at the same time Kylian Mbappe arrived. However, under Xabi Alonso, all the attacking schemes revolved around the French star, leaving young players like Endrick as spectators. He has not played since May - a long break that has eroded his confidence and inspiration to play every day.

Last season, Carlo Ancelotti patiently gave Endrick 37 appearances and seven goals in return – a promising average of one goal every 120 minutes. But Alonso, with his pragmatic philosophy and preference for consistency, left the youngster out of his plans. Meanwhile, Gonzalo Garcia – a youth team player – shone brightly at the FIFA Club World Cup with four goals and one assist. The picture was clear: Xabi chose the ready, Endrick was not.

It is said that when he first arrived in Madrid, Endrick spent a week at Vinicius Jr.’s house in the La Moraleja neighborhood to “learn to be a professional.” Vinicius ate a personal chef’s diet, recovered in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, slept on schedule, and did not party. Real Madrid wanted Endrick to see that exemplary path. But when the ball was no longer at his feet, those lessons faded.

Endrick is constantly on the bench.

Against Getafe, Endrick warmed up for the entire second half but was not allowed on, angrily kicking a water bottle. More recently, he sat quietly as Garcia was brought on as a fifth substitute against Juventus. Alonso’s nod to the 21-year-old was the temporary end to the Brazilian’s “golden boy” ambitions at the Bernabéu.

Real Madrid - and old lessons with young talent

Real had success with Vinicius and Rodrygo, who were nurtured in the protective arms of Valdebebas. They did not need to be loaned out, were not tested elsewhere, but grew up in the most demanding environment. But Endrick was not so lucky. He arrived at a time when Real were too rich in stars, too hungry for trophies and not patient enough.

Juni Calafat, the man behind the €35 million (which could rise to €60 million) deal, still believes Endrick will shine. But to do that, the youngster needs to play, needs to make mistakes, needs to be challenged. Carlo Ancelotti, now Brazil’s head coach, said bluntly: “I won’t call him up if he doesn’t play regularly.” That was both a warning and a piece of advice.

West Ham have made inquiries, Manchester United are keeping an eye out, and elsewhere, smaller clubs like Real Oviedo are also willing to lend a hand. Playing in the Premier League, in a tough but opportunity-rich environment, could be the cure Endrick needs - something Valdebebas can no longer provide.

When Real Madrid was too crowded, leaving was not a failure, but a courageous act to save himself. Endrick needed to play, needed to make mistakes, needed to feel the joy of scoring again - the thing that once made the whole world know the "baby-faced prodigy" of Palmeiras.

Because sometimes, to be a real star, you have to step out of the spotlight.

Source: https://znews.vn/bi-kich-cua-endrick-post1596488.html