Xabi Alonso is still intent on not bringing a certain forward off the bench.
With Real Madrid playing out a 1-1 draw with Girona last Sunday, Xabi Alonso was still reluctant to bring on another center-forward. Yes, Los Blancos have Kylian Mbappe, who will always play. However, Alonso left it too late when bringing on another striker.
Even when Alonso brought on Gonzalo García, it was in the 90th minute. García was also chosen ahead of the club's young Br azilian prodigy Endrick. The 19-year-old has featured in just one La Liga game this season. This was a substitute as Real Madrid defeated Valencia 4-0.
Due to his lack of game time, Endrick has been linked with loan moves in January. The most likely of which appears to be spending the second half of the season with Olympique Lyonnais.
It appears strange that Alonso is not turning to Endrick. His Real Madrid side is missing a striker such as Joselu, who starred for them as an impact player during the 2023/24 season. Los Blancos are even linked with aging strikers such as Niclas Fullkrug in January. There have even been reports that Karim Benzema is open to returning to the club.
Los Blancos are now second in La Liga to Barcelona, and the pressure is mounting on Alonso. This is despite him being a club legend and in his first campaign in charge of the side. They have drawn their last three league games, which makes it even more surprising that he is still not playing Endrick.
Last season, Endrick scored seven goals with one assist in 37 games for Real Madrid in all competitions. This included a goal in both La Liga and the Champions League. However, he did score five goals in just six Copa del Rey appearances.
During the Copa del Rey run to the final, Endrick was actually allowed to start games. However, he made just a nine-minute cameo against Barcelona, which their bitter rivals won 3-2 to lift the trophy.
Carlo Ancelotti gave Endrick opportunities, which Alonso has so far not done. However, due to his lack of game time at Real Madrid, even Ancelotti has not picked Endrick for Br azil. This is a shame, as Endrick will now likely miss the World Cup next summer.
Endrick was once considered the next great hope for Br azil. He scored in three consecutive games for the Seleção against England, Spain, and then Mexico. However, he has now missed his country's last eight matches.