SOCCER
Real Madrid-bound Endrick bags crucial derby goal against Sao Paulo
The 16-year-old Brazilian showed his potential with a stunning strike in a win over Palmeiras’ city rivals.
Brazilian sensation Endrick will join Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 and Madridistas will be salivating at the sight of the 16-year-old’s recent goal for Palmeiras.
Last December Madrid agreed a deal to bring the youngster to the Spanish capital when he reaches 18, signing Endrick for a fee thought to be worth around €35 million.
When asked who his inspirations were, Endrick answered “Ronaldo Nazario and Cristiano Ronaldo.”
“They both have skills I can relate to,” he explained. “I like their speed, their power, how they break defensive lines and their winning attitude. What I try to learn from them is their composure inside the box and use that to score more goals.”
Judging by his recent strike against Sao Paulo, he’s learnt a lot from Real Madrid’s two previous ‘Ronaldos’.
Endrick stuns Sao Paulo with derby winner
In recent months he has struggled for game time in Serie A, the Brazilian top flight, but he reiterated his incredible talents in Sunday’s win over city rivals Sao Paulo.
His Palmeiras side were leading 1-0 when Endrick was brought on for the final 20 minutes, replacing Rony up front for the Verdão. Within ten minutes he has all but settled the game for the visitors, thumping an emphatic finish past Sao Paulo goalkeeper Rafael.
A bouncing ball in the middle of the Sao Paulo half caused confusion in the defence and the ball was poked through for Endrick, 25 yards from goal. With two defenders racing after him, Endrick shifted the ball onto his favoured left foot and fired a shot into the far top corner from just inside the box.
Will Real Madrid sign a new striker this summer?
After the departure of Karim Benzema to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad, Real Madrid have a major vacancy to fill at the point of the attack. The Frenchman had been at the club for 14 years and was the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, meaning that Madrid need to find a truly elite option to replace him.
Last month AS USA reported that Real Madrid have three names in mind to bolster their striking options this summer, all of which would require a significant financial outlay from the Spanish club.
Juventus’ 23-year-old Serbian forward Dusan Vlahovic has struggled for consistency since his move to Turin but is thought to be highly-rated at the Santiago Bernabéu. England captain Harry Kane has a proven track record as a goal scorer but it could be difficult to prise him away from Tottenham Hotspur. Also in the running is Benfica youngster Gonçalo Ramos who starred for Portugal at the World Cup, coming into the team to replace Cristiano Ronaldo in Qatar.
Whoever they bring in will soon be tasked with helping to develop the extraordinary talents of Endrick when he joins up with the team in 2024.