Real Madrid News
Ancelotti hails Real Madrid forward as the ‘future of the Brazil national team’
Real Madrid made a big decision with teenage forward Endrick, letting him leave on loan in the January transfer window as he joined Olympique Lyon on a short-term deal.
The move has worked wonders for the 19-year-old striker, who has benefitted from playing regularly in France, showcasing his innate talent and abilities.
In 14 matches with his temporary club, Endrick has already managed six goals and five assists in all competitions.
Endrick – the future of Brazil
This form earned Endrick a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil national team squad in the ongoing international break.
Endrick did not get any minutes against France last week but will be hoping to get a run-out when the Selecao face Croatia on Tuesday night.
This could end up being his last big opportunity to secure a spot in the Brazil squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
And, Ancelotti, when asked if the 19-year-old Real Madrid loanee can make the cut for the World Cup during his press conference today, replied:
“Look, I knew Endrick as a striker and centre-forward, and now he’s playing more out wide, doing well there too – a position that demands more defensive work. But given his age and physique, he’s rising to the challenge; he’s capable of it.”
Continuing, the Brazil head coach added: “We’re keeping a close eye on his development; like many others, he’ll undoubtedly be the future of the national team.”
Ancelotti on Vinicius, Modric
Ancelotti also allayed any fears surrounding Vinicius Jr.’s future after he had not trained with the team over the weekend, confirming that the Real Madrid superstar will play against Croatia.
Going a step further, the Italian legend hailed Vinicius and fellow Brazil winger Raphinha as two of the best players in the world.
“Madrid is Madrid, and Brazil is Brazil; with Raphinha and Vini we have two of the best in the world. In fact, Vini is playing tomorrow, and they’ll be two of the best at the World Cup,” said Ancelotti.
“We need to ensure they bring all the quality they’re currently showing to the team, but I know they’ll do well because of their character and personality; they’ll have a great World Cup.”
Tomorrow’s friendly will also pit Ancelotti & co. against Real Madrid legend and Croatia captain Luka Modric. And the Brazil boss sang praises of the veteran AC Milan midfielder, saying:
“Modric? He can play as an attacking midfielder, a deep-lying playmaker, or a No. 8 like he did at Real Madrid; he can do everything in midfield because he’s a complete, modern midfielder.
“One of the best players I’ve ever coached, a spectacular professional with a tremendous passion for football, which is why, at 40, he’s still one of the best midfielders around.”
“Modric is one of a kind; there’s no one else like him on the world stage,” Ancelotti concluded.
Source: MARCA
Bernardo Silva was one of Real Madrid’s headline signings last summer. The Portuguese midfielder arrived on a free transfer from Manchester City and appeared destined to become the creative successor to Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in the middle of the park.
Indeed, with the club having not signed a new central midfielder, many within Real Madrid saw the veteran star as a solution to the issue.
Manager Jose Mourinho made him a starter from the very beginning in pre-season, but not in his usual role on the right. Instead, he deployed his compatriot as a deep-lying playmaker in the midfield double pivot.
A change in circumstances
Silva failed to have the expected influence when operating in a deeper role in midfield in the chances he got.
Combined with the emergence of Arda Guler and Aurelien Tchouameni’s return to fitness, the Portuguese international has now lost his place in the starting line-up and dropped to the bench.
Bernardo’s situation became particularly striking against Villarreal this past Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu, when he did not play a single minute.
Limited opportunities under Mourinho
Bernardo has played six matches for Real Madrid, starting three and coming on as a substitute in another three.
He did not feature against Villarreal or Elche, while his only appearance in the last three matches was a little over 10 minutes against Atletico Madrid. He was not used regularly by the Portugal national team during the international break either.
Across Real Madrid’s eight La Liga fixtures, Silva has accumulated just 282 minutes of playing time.
The Champions League now presents another opportunity for the former Manchester City captain, who has yet to make his European debut for Real Madrid this season.
He missed the match against Inter Milan because he was still serving a suspension carried over from his time at the Etihad Stadium last season.
It remains to be seen whether Mourinho will give him an opportunity against AS Roma in the coming week.
For now, the midfielder’s reduced playing time suggests that the Portuguese coach has lost some of his faith in a player who arrived with high expectations after leaving Manchester City.
