On December 15, Endrick’s signing was made official. An operation of 35 million fixed euros plus another 25 tied to a series of variables by one of the greatest promises in world football. The goal was an extension of the very young Brazilian talent (16 years old), until then. Since then, Endrick’s sights have been misdirected. are already twelve consecutive games, the first twelve of the season, in which the man from Brasilia has not managed to see the goal. An assist in the victory of Palmeiras against Internacional (2-0) is the balance of the striker in 729 minutes…
From the VerdaoEndrick’s commitment to growth was clear. They asked for his exclusion from the South American Sub-20, which ended up lifting Brazil, so that he could internalize the mechanisms of a first team whose honeys he had already tested successfully last year (he scored three goals in 306 minutes spread over seven games). Abel Ferreira and his coaching staff prepared a detailed growth plan, controlling Endrick’s fit and progression to the millimeter. As explained by AS, treating the Brazilian diamond with care so that it deburred naturally.
So The Endrick season began, in a favorable and starting context. The flashes They appeared, the minutes accumulated, but the goals, despite signing good performances, did not arrive. And this has made him lose importance in the team, remaining on the bench in the last two games: the victories in the quarterfinals (São Bernardo) and in the semifinal (Ituano) of Paulistao. Two games in which, yes, he has shown his total commitment to the team, jumping to celebrate with his teammate Murilo the goal against Ituano which meant the classification for the final reached by the greens.
Pressure
During this streak, on February 23 an image went around the world. When Abel Ferreira changed him at 56 ‘against Bragantino, Endrick collapsed. The bib covered his tears on the bench. “He covered his face because he cried. He only criticized me for not giving him a hug, because he needs it. He is going to score, to miss…, he is only 16 years old ”, explained Abel Ferreira. “You should be calm. no matter how strong you are mentally, like Márquez, Federer or whoever, nobody likes criticism. I’m just telling him to continue training as he is doing because he will have a fantastic career”, he added, analyzing the critical charge surrounding his pupil’s performances. Until now, goals had been the best medicine to combat pressure, a balm that now turns its back on him.
Since Palmeiras, confidence in Endrick has not been shaken. At Real Madrid the alarms don’t sound either, although a situation like this was not included in the plans. But don’t lose sight of the fact that Endrick is barely 16 years old and is a boy who has become a planetary star at full speed. A very heavy backpack that you have to learn to handle. Hence, the dynamic with which the season started has not changed. Besides, Those who know him best assure that if something characterizes the footballer it is his mental maturity, well ahead of his age.. Sometimes you have to take a step back to take two forward.