Endrick gives Real Madrid the best problem possible after Kylian Mbappe signing

Teenage prodigy Endrick once again proved his worth by coming off the bench to score the winning goal for Brazil in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Mexico on Saturday, further enhancing his reputation ahead of his move to Real Madrid.

The 17 year-old sensation has now found the back of the net in three consecutive games for his country, having previously scored against England and Spain. Despite a slow start to his season in Brazil due to injuries, the youngster has shone on the international stage, demonstrating why he’s been the subject of so much hype over the past year.

He is set to join the La Liga titans on July 1, and is touted as one of the most promising talents in world football alongside Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. It has been revealed that Madrid have no intention of loaning him out upon his arrival, instead, he is expected to slot straight into the team alongside Vinicius Jr and the soon-to-be-signed Kylian Mbappe.

With both Mbappe and Endrick set to join the squad in July, Madrid could be witnessing one of the greatest influxes of talent in recent years. This comes hot on the heels of their Champions League triumph earlier this month – their second in three years.

However, with all three players preferring to operate from the wing, questions remain about how they will fit into the team. Some speculate that Mbappe may be utilised as a right winger or centre forward, potentially providing a backup role for Endrick.

Despite his relatively small stature of 5’8″, the Brazilian has proven through his national performances that he’s ready to compete, even suggesting he could play as a striker alongside Mbappe in his first year, with the pair operating from the flanks.

Endrick has been given Brazil’s prestigious number 9 shirt for the upcoming Copa America, indicating his belief in his ability to fulfil this role moving forward, as he has done in Brazil’s Serie A. He told reporters: “They say I’m too small to be a number 9, but it’s not a question of being small, it’s the positioning.”

Madrid secured Endrick’s services 18 months ago, signing him from Palmeiras in December 2022 and agreeing that he would join the club when he turns 18. After competing with Brazil in the Copa America, the teenager will have a few weeks off before moving to Spain to start the 2024/25 season.

Many predict that Endrick will be positioned on the right-hand side in his debut season, with Mbappe taking the central role and Vinicius Jr remaining on the left.