As the new season unfolds at Real Madrid, Real Madrid find themselves confronted with a familiar issue: the management of young talent.
While last year saw Carlo Ancelotti struggling to balance Arda Guler’s playing time, this season, the spotlight has shifted to Endrick.
Despite his undeniable potential, the Brazilian has only seen just over half of a match’s worth of playing time this season, raising concerns about his development and integration into the squad.
Endrick has shown glimpses of brilliance in the Real Madrid jersey, yet his limited minutes on the pitch remain a cause for concern.
This situation is further complicated by Kylian Mbappe’s recent injury, which will keep him sidelined for approximately three weeks. With Mbappe out of action, one would assume that Endrick might finally secure a starting spot; however, uncertainty still surrounds his role within the team.
Ancelotti trusts Endrick, but…
Just a week ago, Ancelotti expressed confidence in Endrick’s capabilities, stating that he would “start in one of the upcoming games.” However, the reality on the field has told a different story.
Endrick has been confined to the bench, managing only 27 minutes of play in the recent matches against Espanyol and Alaves.
It is puzzling that Ancelotti, who seems to be keen on protecting the young forward, has not given him a chance in games that appeared more favourable for a starting role.
If Endrick is not trusted in less pressurised matches, it raises questions about whether he will be deemed ready for the high-stakes environment of the Madrid derby, a fixture notorious for its intensity and competitive atmosphere.
All eyes on Ancelotti
The upcoming Madrid derby could prove to be a double-edged sword for Endrick. While it offers a golden opportunity to showcase his talent, the pressure and scrutiny he would face might be overwhelming, especially given his recent close call with a potential red card.
Ancelotti now faces a significant dilemma: should he expose the young player to the fierce atmosphere of a derby match, or stick to the conservative approach that has seen Endrick primarily coming off the bench this season?
This decision is further complicated by the injury to Mbappe, which creates a vacancy in the starting line-up that Endrick could potentially fill.
If Ancelotti opts to use Endrick, he would be putting the young forward in a critical position to make an impact. However, this choice ultimately hinges on the tactical approach the manager decides to take against Atletico Madrid.
Impact on Endrick
Whatever Ancelotti decides will have an impact on Endrick in one way or the other. After all, appearing in one of the biggest games of the season could shatter or build his confidence.
In conclusion, while the scenario may appear frustrating for fans eager to see Endrick flourish, it underscores the ongoing challenge for Ancelotti to balance the immediate needs of the team with the long-term development of their young talents.
As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how this situation will evolve and what it might mean for the future of both the player and the club.