Real Madrid
Endrick and Güler ignored by Ancelotti
Güler has played just one minute in the last four games while Endrick hasn’t seen action since early October.
Endrick hasn’t stepped onto the pitch since October 2, missing five matches with a clean sheet streak. From a promising start in Lille, his momentum has faded. Güler’s situation is slightly better, though similar.
He managed just one minute in a game where Real Madrid had already sealed their comeback against Dortmund, his last start dating back to September 21. They’re players who thrive on reactive play, yet that hasn’t opened doors—especially not the important ones.
In fact, the growing crisis is closing them out. During the recent Clásico fiasco, Carletto finished the game with unused changes, and even against Milan, neither Endrick nor Güler was considered. Two invisible talents.
Carlo continues to leave Endrick and Güler out
The season began differently. Güler started three of the first six league games and missed only two of the first 12 matches. His role was growing after a breakout season, scoring six goals in just 440 minutes—a goal every 73 minutes. Endrick’s early performances were also promising, scoring in both La Liga (against Valladolid) and the Champions League (against Stuttgart), achievements that underscored his precocity.
But now, their importance is waning. Against Milan, Camavinga and Brahim were the first choices off the bench, followed by Ceballos, then a still-recovering Rodrygo and Fran Garcia. Meanwhile, Altindag and Taguatinga watched as yet another opportunity slipped by. The same happened against Barça and Dortmund (Arda only appeared in the 89th minute). In these three games, Real Madrid needed fresh energy, direct play, and goals—qualities both players bring—but they didn’t see the field.
‘He faces strong competition, and it‘s tough’
Güler has played just 35 minutes across the last seven matches. His role is unclear, often a positional dilemma. “He can play inside,” Ancelotti admitted, but he doesn’t feel Güler is ready for that role yet. Güler’s appearances have been occasional; fundamentally, he’s still seen as an attacker, limiting his impact. “He faces strong competition, and it’s tough to find space in Real Madrid’s lineup,” Carletto observed.
Ancelotti hasn’t just kept him from a starting spot (players like Mbappé, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Brahim, and Bellingham are ahead of him) but recently, even as a bench option, he’s become invisible. His bright spot is Turkey, where he’s played more minutes (352’) and contributed more than he has in Madrid (291’ with no goal involvements). In Turkey, despite his age, he’s essential.
Endrick’s situation is even more concerning. Only Vallejo has fewer minutes (10’) than him, with the Brazilian tallying just 107 minutes, well utilized in his early goals against Valladolid and Stuttgart, but his role has since diminished.
So much so that he’s now been dropped from the Brazil squad. Igor Jesus’s rise and Endrick’s limited minutes in Madrid have edged him out, though Brazilian coach Dorival downplays this, seeing it as temporary. Ancelotti echoes this stance, defending the 18-year-old’s talent and urging patience.