For Real Madrid, one of the things they struggle with when comparing them to other clubs is their development and treatment of young players. Other top European teams like Barcelona and Bayern Munich often have success developing young talent, watching them break into the first team and become top-class players, but as for Los Blancos, not so much.
There have been very few players in recent times who arrive at Madrid at a young age and manage to break into the senior team right away. Players such as Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Eduardo Camavinga are among the few who managed to establish themselves at a young age, and many others have tried but haven't found the same success.
For some reason, Madrid tends to be quick to give up on youngsters and ship them off elsewhere to play their football, and this player is showing exactly why letting him go was a big mistake from Los Blancos.
Real Madrid's slip up looks foolish and it's not siding with Vinicius
Endrick has got off to a flying start during his loan spell at Lyon, and he is showing Real Madrid exactly what they're missing and why letting him leave this month could prove to be a big mistake. So far in the two matches he's played, he bagged himself a goal and an assist as well as completing a season record nine dribbles in Lyon's 2-1 win over Brest this weekend.
The 19-year-old is showing Madrid and Xabi Alonso exactly what he can bring when he is given the chance to play, and he is exactly what their attack is missing at the moment. He adds creativity, pace, and strength, and is fearless when running at defenders. Although he is technically a striker, his ability to play as a left-footed right-winger is desperately needed at the Estadio Bernabeu.
Seeing Endrick thriving at Lyon is something that no doubt pleases all Madridistas, but is also frustrating at the same time. He is exactly what Madrid are missing and is the kind of player who works his tail off for any manager, and if he were given these same opportunities, he'd be showing exactly why the club brought him in at such a young age.
Endrick's deal at Lyon is only a six-month loan, but if he enjoys his time at the French club and sees it as a better place to be at this early stage of his career, it shouldn't come as a surprise if he fights to extend his time at the Groupama Stadium and continue to develop as a player.