In the previous week, Endrick had the chance to participate in his inaugural match in Europe and formally introduce himself to the global audience. And what a remarkable introduction it turned out to be.
The young player emerged as the decisive factor in Brazil’s victory against England at Wembley, followed by another goal against Spain a few days later.
Endrick’s ascent has been nothing short of spectacular. He made his breakthrough at Palmeiras towards the end of 2022, and in the previous year, with just 1500 minutes of league play, he ranked first in goals and shots on target, and third in successful dribbles per 90 minutes within the Palmeiras squad.
Endrick has showcased a tantalizing preview of what he will bring to Carlo Ancelotti when he arrives in July.
With an Expected Goal (xG) rate of 0.48 per 90, he consistently finds himself in prime goal-scoring positions, reminiscent of elite strikers. This was evident in his goal at Wembley, where he displayed his ability to anticipate danger and position himself perfectly to score the winning goal.
When presented with such opportunities, he demonstrates both power and precision in his shots, with over 50% of his attempts hitting the target. His 11 goals last season translated to a rate of 0.64 goals per 90, surpassing all other players in the Brazilian top division.
Due to limited playing time in the current season, all statistics are derived from the 2023 Brazilian Serie A campaign.
Expected goals on target (xGOT) is a metric that evaluates the quality of shots on target based on their end location, serving as a post-shot extension of xG. A higher xGOT value relative to xG indicates superior finishing skills.
Endrick’s formidable goal-scoring threat is underscored by his xGOT of 0.58 per 90, significantly exceeding his xG rate.
Despite standing at 1.73 meters, the left-footed sharpshooter’s capacity to outmuscle larger defenders was evident in his recent encounter with Lewis Dunk, a trait that is poised to improve as he matures physically.
While he may not possess Neymar’s dribbling prowess, Endrick leverages his explosive pace to take on opponents with commendable success, particularly for a player of his age.
Certain facets of Endrick’s game, such as his final pass, require further honing, indicating that his integration into Real Madrid’s first team will likely occur gradually over the coming seasons.
Despite his rapid development, it would be premature to place excessive demands on a player who is still refining his skills and has accumulated only 2000 minutes of senior-level experience. Both Vinicius and Rodrygo initially featured for Real Madrid Castilla before transitioning to the first team over a two-year period.
Ancelotti’s pressing requirement for a forward capable of making an immediate impact might result in the acquisition of Kylian Mbappe. This potential move could allow Endrick the opportunity to refine crucial aspects of his gameplay with time and patience.
The young striker can gain valuable insights from, and serve as a reliable backup to, the French player for a number of seasons before eventually playing alongside him.
Endrick, who has already played a role in Palmeiras’ success in his brief career, faces a new and formidable challenge in achieving success at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Despite the fact that many have faltered under pressure, there is a certain mystique surrounding Endrick that suggests he is a rising star of the future.