Real Madrid News
Real Madrid believe 20-year-old starlet has finally reached his breakthrough moment after Roma heroics
Real Madrid believe Endrick’s impressive performance against Roma could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Brazilian youngster.
He came on early in the second half to replace Arda Guler, and his dramatic contribution helped Jose Mourinho’s side secure an unforgettable 4-3 Champions League victory.
According to Diario AS, there is growing confidence within the club that Endrick has finally taken the decisive step forward after a frustrating period of injuries and limited playing time.
Mourinho’s decision to keep Endrick pays off
Endrick played a crucial role in Madrid’s remarkable comeback at the Stadio Olimpico, scoring the equaliser with a powerful header to make it 3-3.
The Brazilian immediately troubled Roma’s defence after coming off the bench, completing two successful dribbles and causing problems with his pace and directness.
His performance also vindicated Mourinho’s decision to block a summer loan move to Roma.
“When Roma asked for his loan in the summer, I said it was impossible. I know this boy’s abilities,” Mourinho explained after the match.
The Portuguese manager also highlighted the difficulties Roma defender Mario Hermoso faced after dealing with Yan Diomande earlier in the game.
Endrick, meanwhile, expressed complete trust in his manager and his desire to succeed at Madrid despite his limited opportunities.
“I was talking to God. If I have to play, Mou will put me on, and if not, he won’t. He will do what is best for me. I will be there to help however I can,” he said.
Endrick could offer Madrid something different
Interestingly, Mourinho introduced Endrick on the right wing, a position in which he has rarely played.
The Portuguese manager is said to view the Brazilian as a better option on the right wing than as a traditional centre-forward.
That is important because it allows the Brazilian to coexist with fellow youngster Espi rather than compete directly with him for the same position.
Endrick’s explosive acceleration, powerful left foot, close control and willingness to attack defenders could give Madrid another valuable option on the right.
His performance in Rome demonstrated how quickly he can change the tempo of a match and his ability to deliver in front of goal at crucial moments.
The next challenge is consistency
The biggest positive is that Endrick has shown he can make an impact without needing an entire match to settle into the game.
However, one outstanding substitute appearance should not automatically guarantee him a starting position. What it should earn him, though, is more minutes to prove himself.
Mourinho must now find opportunities to develop his confidence without placing excessive pressure on a young player returning from injury.
Madrid have been extremely patient with Endrick’s development, and the Roma game suggests he has taken a step in the right direction.
The onus is now on the 20-year-old to repay the faith Los Blancos have shown in him and start contributing regularly for Mourinho.
Real Madrid have an interesting selection dilemma at left-back, with Marc Cucurella and Alvaro Carreras competing for a starting spot under Jose Mourinho.
While Cucurella brings experience and an established reputation, Carreras is making an increasingly convincing case to become the team’s first-choice option.
The battle between the two Spaniards is particularly relevant given Madrid’s defensive difficulties so far this season.
Mourinho is searching for greater defensive stability and has an important choice to make between Cucurella and Carreras.
Carreras offers the defensive security Madrid need
One of Carreras’ biggest strengths is his ability to defend in one-v-one situations.
The 23-year-old generally looks comfortable against direct wingers, showing patience in his positioning and making it difficult for opponents to get past him.
That defensive reliability is particularly valuable in Mourinho’s system, where full-backs can find themselves isolated when Madrid lose possession.
Cucurella, meanwhile, has occasionally looked vulnerable against opponents attacking him directly, with space opening up for crosses from his side.
With Vinicius Junior usually playing ahead of him, the former Chelsea man does not get the defensive support he needs from his winger, leaving him isolated.
However, Carreras’ case is not built entirely on defending. He is also comfortable carrying possession forward, driving into space and helping Madrid progress down the left flank.
This makes him an attractive option for a team that has struggled to progress the ball up the pitch as consistently as they would have hoped.
Cucurella still offers qualities Mourinho values
Despite the growing case for Carreras, Cucurella should not be dismissed, and his reputation should not be forgotten.
His experience, aggressive pressing and willingness to engage opponents higher up the pitch can be useful when Madrid want to pin back the opposition.
He is also capable of moving into central areas to support possession, giving Mourinho different tactical possibilities.
However, Cucurella’s attacking contributions have not always been as influential as expected during these early weeks.
The Spaniard made a name for himself at Chelsea and with Spain by getting into attacking positions and creating chances for his teammates.
At Madrid, however, with the team looking to pass the ball quickly to runners like Vinicius and Mbappe, the best aspect of Cucurella’s game has not come to the fore.
This makes defensive solidity the primary requirement for Madrid’s left-back, and it is here that Carreras seems to have an advantage over Cucurella.
Carreras deserves an extended opportunity
At this stage, Carreras has a strong argument for becoming Madrid’s preferred left-back.
His defensive qualities appear particularly suited to the team’s immediate needs, while his ability to carry possession ensures Madrid would not sacrifice much attacking potential.
Instead of treating the left-back role as a game of musical chairs, Mourinho would be better off giving one of the two an extended run to make the position their own.
Competition for places is healthy as long as it does not breed insecurity, and at the moment, Carreras seems to be in better form than Cucurella.
It will not be easy to justify benching a summer investment, but Mourinho’s job is to make those difficult calls, and it remains to be seen how he approaches this decision.
