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1 month ago
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Since his arrival at Real Madrid, all eyes have been on him. This is an observation that could be applied to both Kylian Mbappé and Endrick. After years of a soap opera that often made headlines in the international press, the 25-year-old French striker arrived in the Spanish capital in style this summer. Since then, his every move has been scrutinized by all football fans, who have not missed a single bit of the start of his adventure with the Merengues. On the pitch, the romance had started in the best possible way. Indeed, during the European Super Cup final against Atalanta Bergamo, the Bondy player opened his account on a pass from Jude Bellingham. Optimism being the order of the day, his debut in La Liga was nevertheless more contrasting. Timid for his first on the pitch in Mallorca, KM9 was expected this Sunday against Valladolid.
And for his first time at Santiago-Bernabeu, Mbappé was unable to dispel the questions about him. Lined up on the front of the attack alongside Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, the Frenchman did not have enough weight offensively. Moving out of the zone too much, he often deserted the axis to go and contribute on the left or the right. Facing goal, the former Parisian is still not up to scratch. After trying an interesting left-footed shot then a Madjer in the first half, Mbappé was even more discreet after the break. Finally, his only chance in the second half came just before he came off with a completely missed outside pass (86th). Unable to make a difference, here are two consecutive matches during which Kylian Mbappé was not decisive. It is simply a first in his rich career. To top off this failed performance, Real Madrid’s attacking drive seemed much more noticeable when he came off with less than ten minutes of play remaining.
Endrick’s wild entrance overshadowed Mbappe’s lackluster performance
Indeed, while Brahim Diaz scored in the wake of these strong tactical choices by Carlo Ancelotti, Kylian Mbappé’s replacement, Endrick, stepped up tonight. Striking from the start, the Brazilian did what the Frenchman failed to do: take the deep to endanger Valladolid. Although he certainly had more space than Mbappé, the former Palmeiras player hit the target with his first shot after a classy sequence. Brimming with energy, the 18-year-old forward stole the show from Mbappé in this way. Adored following his goal – his second at the Bernabeu in 55 minutes after the meeting between Spain and Brazil in March – the native of Taguatinga also showed his great professionalism at the end of the match. Having only played 10 minutes, the left-hander distinguished himself by continuing to train on the empty Bernabeu pitch.
An attitude and a meeting that have inevitably caused a stir in Spain, where comparisons with Kylian Mbappé are already rife. Even if the Madrid supporters showed their indulgence towards the Frenchman by applauding him warmly when he left, the Spanish media have already started to criticize the captain of the Blues. On the other side, Endrick is covered in praise. While Fede Valverde went there with his compliment by stating that “Endrick deserves everything“but that he had to”keep working hard“, Carlo Ancelotti also praised his young player in the post-match press conference: “He has great potential, he has shown his qualities in the goal situation. He is very quick in his control, very powerful in his finishing. He is a centre forward, he is very, very dangerous in tight spaces.» For his part, Brahim Diaz, who also scored after Kylian Mbappé left the pitch, said he was happy to play with his young teammate. The Moroccan hasn’t forgotten Kylian Mbappé though: “Endrick owes me dinner, he told me. He hits the ball with both legs. We are very happy to have him, Kylian, all the teammates at the best level.»
Despite this uncomfortable situation, Kylian Mbappé can nevertheless count on Ancelotti’s support. In parallel with his flattering statements for Endrick, the Italian technician stepped up and reassured about the current level of the player trained in Monaco at the end of the match: “Worried about Mbappé? No, absolutely not, he is a spectacular striker, very fast, he moves well without the ball, he attacks the back, he had three or four chances. In this position, he will score, as he always has. I don’t think he needs to play on the left, he will score goals in the center.» For his part, Endrick is on cloud nine. To top off his great day, the young Brazilian even had a chat with Kim Kardashian and her kids on the edge of the pitch after the game. A decidedly enjoyable lifestyle for an 18-year-old.
