Endrick's Reckless Moment Exposes Real Madrid's Persistent Achilles' Heel
Real Madrid's on-loan striker Endrick received a red card during Lyon's 1–0 victory against Nantes on Saturday, marking a blemish on what had been an exceptional beginning to his French adventure.
The forward, who had registered seven goal involvements across his initial five matches with the Ligue 1 club, lost his composure after being fouled by Nantes midfielder Dehmaine Tabibou while pursuing the ball. Endrick retaliated with a kick at his opponent and was promptly issued a yellow card.
Having already been cautioned by the referee, the young player's match concluded in the 61st minute. The situation worsened when VAR intervention ruled the incident warranted a direct red card, ensuring a lengthier ban for Endrick precisely when he was flourishing at his temporary home.
Paulo Fonseca Rant Highlights Old Problems for Endrick
Paulo Fonseca Rant Highlights Old Problems for Endrick
Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca expressed strong disapproval regarding the referee's choice to escalate Endrick's penalty to a direct dismissal. He also highlighted a pattern he's observed in recent fixtures concerning teams deliberately targeting the young Brazilian talent.
"In my opinion, it was extremely severe, extremely severe. There was a clear foul beforehand. The Nantes player had no intention of playing the ball, his aim was to obstruct Endrick," Fonseca stated.
"The second point I wish to make is that this marks the third consecutive match where opponents have begun with excessive aggression directed at Endrick. I believed such behavior was outdated, but the intent was obvious. They clearly sought to intimidate Endrick. Match officials must safeguard the skill of a player like Endrick."
During his brief spells with Real Madrid, Endrick frequently became a target for opposing defenses. The striker's compact build made him vulnerable, particularly as he adjusted to La Liga's physical demands. Coupled with his lack of experience and quick temper, Endrick often found himself in precarious situations, both during play and in confrontations.
The positive aspect for Los Blancos, however, is that the 19-year-old can utilize his French experience to develop strategies for handling and overcoming such tactics, hopefully returning to the Bernabéu with enhanced maturity and composure, plus improved skills for dealing with troublesome defenders who possess superior size and strength.
Endrick's Future at the Bernabéu and Real Madrid's Plans
Endrick's Future at the Bernabéu and Real Madrid's Plans
Despite being proclaimed as the "future Pelé" before his transfer to the Spanish capital, Endrick's initial period wearing the white jersey was plagued by injuries, sporadic playing time and limited confidence from both Carlo Ancelotti and Xabi Alonso. Suddenly, what should have been the club's emerging Brazilian prodigy began resembling a disappointing acquisition similar to Reinier Jesus.
However, Endrick's remarkable beginning at Lyon has reminded the organization and supporters why they held the No. 9 in such high regard. Indeed, the Spanish powerhouse already plans to recall him to the Bernabéu this summer and increase his involvement next season, according to AS.
There exists some internal "disappointment regarding his exit," considering his excellent performances at Lyon. With numerous injuries causing chaos at Real Madrid, having Endrick available to spearhead the attack or provide impact from the substitutes' bench could have been invaluable for a squad depending heavily on Kylian Mbappé to score sufficient goals for victories.
The 15-time European titleholders must accept their choice to loan out Endrick, however, and concentrate on the extended advantages of his temporary assignment.