Why Endrick is starting to cause concern for some

The “Endrick effect” in Brazil seems to be fading after his remarkable debut with the senior team, where he scored several goals in his early appearances. Despite this, coach Dorival Júnior does not seem to find the young Brazilian’s achievements, both domestically and now at Real Madrid, sufficient. At Real Madrid, Endrick has been making the most of the minutes given to him by Carlo Ancelotti. However, in Brazil’s recent match against Chile, held in Santiago, it was Igor Jesus who won the battle for playing time in the yellow shirt.

Before the South American Qualifiers match, Dorival Júnior made it clear in a press conference that he would be opting for the Botafogo striker over Endrick. The former Palmeiras player saw less than 15 minutes of action against Chile, coming on late in the match with the score tied. The comeback goal came in the 89th minute, but Igor Jesus had already scored the equaliser, justifying Dorival’s decision to start him instead of Endrick.

‘You have to start Endrick’

“We gained a great option in Igor Jesus by bringing him closer inside and attacking the last line. We need more of that—pushing the defense towards their goal. This opens up more opportunities for players on the flanks and inside to create and finish better,” explained Dorival Júnior when asked about his choice of the Botafogo striker over the Real Madrid star.

This decision has sparked debate in Brazil, with many arguing that Endrick deserves more opportunities as a starter. On the program Fim de Papo, it was mentioned that Endrick is one of the few players who connects Dorival’s team with the fans.

“Endrick got the short end of the stick in the Copa América. He debuted and scored against England, Spain, and Mexico. It was obvious that he had earned a starting spot in the Copa America. The fact that he didn’t play and was only a substitute was absurd. He deserved his place on the field. If you’re playing Brazil against Ecuador, you have to start Endrick.

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Not only does he deserve more opportunities, but he’s also one of the least connected players with the fans. Not playing him here, but then using him in Paraguay—that’s another ‘scam.’ He’s either going to score and be a hero or get burned. His chances always seem to come under that pressure,” commented Fim de Papo.

Although Endrick has yet to fully emerge as the superstar he’s predicted to become, his presence continues to spark debate over whether he should be Brazil’s number 9. With his talent, it’s only a matter of time before he becomes the great attacking threat the national team has been seeking for years.