Endrick was at risk of becoming a ‘flop’ at Real Madrid but a loan move to Lyon seems to have revived his young career.
After failing to impress both Carlo Ancelotti and Xabi Alonso in Madrid, the Brazilian wonderkid seems to have Paulo Fonseca’s full confidence.
It’s four goals and one assist already in just three games for Lyon. That’s the same amount of goal involvements as he recorded in his final 35 matches for Real Madrid, a run that goes back to September 2024.
And yet, this great start is hardly surprising if you have been paying attention to him over the last three seasons. This is a player who, at 17 years of age, put the most successful domestic side in Brazilian footballl over the last 10 years on his back and led them to an unlikely league title.
What has changed for Endrick at Lyon compared to Real Madrid?
Struggles under Xabi Alonso
Endrick’s difficult time at Real Madrid didn’t actually start when Xabi Alonso took over. He also had few minutes under Carlo Ancelotti – who, even now, seems slightly reluctant to give him international caps for Brazil. Although this might change in the near future.
But Alonso gives off the impression of being a manager who needs to have everything under control. Both his stints in professional football are opposite examples of that.
Dabble sign-up offer: Bet £10+ & Receive £10 In Free Bets
Not signed up to Dabble yet? Here's how to claim the Bet £10+ & Receive £10 In Free Bets welcome offer:
- Sign up to Dabble through this link
- Register your account with accurate personal details
- Place your first bet of £10 or more
- Receive your £10 in free bets when your qualifying bet has setted
- Use your Free Bet on any eligible sportsbook market within 7 days
#AD 18+ 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply. GambleAware.org
Bayer Leverkusen aren’t one of the ‘big dogs’ in their domestic context. They were in a bit of a crisis when he arrived – and went back to being their old version after he left. But with Alonso at the helm, he seemed to have everything controlled and the way he wanted. It paid off and led to an unbeaten league title and a European final.
At Real Madrid, however, a club in which it’s virtually impossible for the manager to control everything, he still tried. And it didn’t take long for him to clash with big personalities and characters in the dressing room. To the point that he left after just six months despite great numbers and good league position. Granted, the performances didn’t really match the points.
And Endrick is the kind of player who thrives in chaotic environments on the pitch. He also needs confidence and freedom to be himself and truly deliver what he has to offer. Which brings us to the next point.
‘Enemy’ of stats and efficiency
The 19-year-old is a high-volume type of forward, rather than an efficient one. He attempts a lot of shots, a lot of take-ons and there will be instances in which he will take seven or eight shots, miss two clear-cut chances and most of his attacking duels in a loss or a disappointing draw.
But he needs these moments and growing pains in order to refine his game. Understand what works and what doesn’t, lean on the good things and trim the bad things. It’s all part of a learning period, the only way that he goes from raw to concrete talent.
Because, make no mistake, he is still raw. He will make questionable decisions at times and try things that are not the best option to get out of a certain situation, which will cause his side to lose possession. But a raw Endrick is still a great player that would walk into various starting XIs across Europe’s top-5 leagues.
Key stats for Lyon across all competitions:
- 3 games played (3 starts)
- 4 goals, 1 assist
- 3.1 expected goals
- 16 shots (11 on target)
- 15/29 successful take-ons
- 12 tackles+fouls+times dribbled past
His energy and relentlessness generate a lot of attacking play and danger to the opposition. He is aggressive both in and out of possession – sometimes excessively. But overall, the good outweighs the bad in terms of his contributions to the team.
There is the Ligue 1 caveat, considering he faced 12th-placed Brest and bottom-of-the-league Metz. But he had a magical debut against 5th-placed Lille – who are just behind Lyon in the table.
Endrick has played in three games for Lyon, which is as many as he had played for Real Madrid all season. Whether it’s as a right winger who tucks inside, leading or second striker, he can do it all. And he is going to keep doing it against increasingly better sides. When it happens, don’t be surprised. It’s all real.