Xabi Alonso’s time at Real Madrid hasn’t gotten off to the dream start fans expected. The Spanish tactician is still figuring things out at the Bernabeu, including how to manage the star-studded Los Blancos roster.
Anyway, in recent years, Real Madrid have focused more on bringing in talented youngsters rather than their earlier approach of signing proven big names.
While this policy has been largely successful, with players like Vinicius Junior, Arda Güler, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Rodrygo emerging as some of the best in their respective positions, it hasn’t been without its shortcomings.
The case of Endrick certainly falls under the later. The Brazilian wonderkid, often dubbed the next Pelé, has found life difficult at Real Madrid.
After a lack of any significant playing time under Alonso, Endrick recently departed Real Madrid to join Lyon on a six-month loan deal. And it seems Lyon's coach, Paulo Fonseca, has already realized something that Alonso missed.
It took two days for Lyon coach to make an Endrick realisation Xabi Alonso missed
Fonseca has recently spoken highly about the Brazilian youngster. He told the media:
"Endrick is different. We really needed him. He's looking really good in training. We're very happy he's with us.
He's doing well physically, he worked in Madrid, but he's not ready to play 90 minutes yet."
Endrick got off to a flying start at Real Madrid after his arrival in 2024, scoring debut goals in both La Liga and the Champions League. But he quickly lost steam in the second half of the 2024-25 season.
Although few can blame him, with Kylian Mbappé taking over goal-scoring duties upon himself. Unfortunately, the Brazilian’s situation worsened following his injury during the Club World Cup before the start of this campaign, which caused him to slide further down the pecking order behind Gonçalo García as well.
Endrick has appeared in only three matches in all competitions for Real Madrid this season, starting just one of them, and that too in the Copa del Rey. While the Los Blancos do have other options up front, Alonso might have been a bit harsh not to squeeze in a few more minutes on the field for Endrick.
Nonetheless, there’s little doubt about the talent Endrick possesses, which he has showcased on quite a few occasions already. But he needs regular playing time to reach his true potential, and this loan move to Lyon could provide him with that.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid fans are certainly hopeful that Endrick will find success at Bernabéu, and there’s still a good chance that could become a reality.
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