French Media Make Big Endrick Statement After First Lyon Appearance
Endrick has joined Lyon on a six-month loan from Real Madrid.
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
Topics: Real Madrid, Lyon, Endrick, Ligue 1
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Real Madrid, Lyon, Endrick, Ligue 1
Endrick marked his much-anticipated Lyon debut with a performance to remember as Paulo Fonseca's side secured their place in the last 16 of the French Cup with a 2-1 win over Lille.
The 19-year-old, who joined the Ligue 1 side from Real Madrid at the end of December on a six-month loan deal, will be hoping to pin down some much-needed minutes ahead of this summer's World Cup.
After joining Madrid from Palmeiras when he turned 18 in 2024, Endrick made 37 appearances for the Spanish giants last season, with 22 of those coming in La Liga.
However, the departure of Carlo Ancelotti has impacted his game time of late. In fact, the Brazilian appeared just three times in all competitions under Xabi Alonso this term.
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"Endrick, at this stage of his career, after coming from Brazil to Europe, needs playing time," said Alonso this month.
"I understand why he made that decision and why the club wanted to invest in his development and experience in a competitive league like the French one, at a club where he'll get more minutes," added the Spaniard.
After missing out against Monaco at the start of January, Endrick made up for lost time as he marked his Lyon debut with a goal.
As you can see from the footage below, the Brazilian popped up at the back post before guiding the ball into the back of the net after Corentin Tolisso's clever flick from a cross on the left wing.
Lyon secured their place in the last 16 of the French Cup after Endrick's winner, and many waxed lyrically about the Brazilian's performance, including French publication L'Equipe.
The outlet has already described Endrick as being Lyon's "main threat", labelling his outing against Lille as "surprising" and "impactful".
"It's unclear whether he has the makings of a star, but he's already a different kind of player," the report added.
"The Palmeiras-trained striker sometimes forgets his teammates, but he provides the dynamism that Lyon so sorely lacked in the first half of the season."
Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca was full of praise for the striker.
"He's a player who takes initiative individually, very strong in one-on-one situations, but also very quick," said Fonseca. "He can create more quick attacking opportunities for us. He's a very strong player in tight spaces, in the penalty area."
"I'm very happy, it was a difficult match and I thank God for being able to return to the pitch, for the opportunities, for the goal, and for the smiles," he told beIN Sports after the full-time whistle.
"My first few weeks are going much better than I imagined, I feel right at home, it's really great. OL's style of play reminds me a bit of Palmeiras. As a false nine, I can help the team both offensively and defensively.
"We have a lot of freedom with this style of play."