In Xabi Alonso‘s system, forwards are very important. He has demonstrated this by giving Gonzalo a chance from day one, and he has repaid him with good play and, above all, goals, which is essential for a striker. The question is what will happen now with Endrick. Xabi Alonso is not sure and has already told Florentino Pérez.
Endrick and Xabi Alonso
The Brazilian footballer has completed his first season at Real Madrid, and he has taken it as a year of learning, a year of soaking up the atmosphere of being surrounded by some of the best players in the world. But if we look at the young Brazilian’s statistics, we can see that he has not disappointed at all. In the Copa del Rey, he was the team’s top scorer, and overall, he has scored two goals every three games, a figure that demonstrates his great potential.
We don’t know what would have happened if the Brazilian had been fit when Xabi Alonso arrived at Valdebebas. The truth is that a muscle injury at the end of the league season prevented him from being involved in the new coach’s debut, who opted to give Gonzalo a surprise start and the confidence that has led him to become one of the club’s great hopes.
The high level of competition suggests that Endrick will once again have a year of few opportunities in the team, playing a secondary role, and that the ideal scenario would be for him to seek playing time away from the Whites. However, Xabi Alonso may have other plans.
Xabi Alonso’s system
For Real Madrid’s new coach, the presence of a number 9 is essential, something that cannot be lacking under any circumstances. And for Xabi Alonso, Endrick is a pure number 9 and he wants to have more than one player in this position. The Tolosa-born coach wants a complete squad because he is aware that the season is very long, that injuries are normal throughout the year, as are signings and departures, and he does not want to have to improvise, something that Carlo Ancelotti had to do, especially last year, which completely disrupted the team.
Xabi Alonso’s decision regarding Endrick
For this reason, the Tolosa-born coach has informed the board that he wants to count on the player for next season. He wants to include him in the rotation and, although he will initially continue to have other players ahead of him, he will give him minutes so that he can continue to develop and become an important player in the team.
Xabi Alonso believes that Endrick can be an important player in the first team. He is confident in the great effectiveness he has shown in his first year of adaptation and understands that he will improve next season. In addition, he is convinced that he will have to call on him at many points during the season, that he will be key in the rotation and that he could contribute important things to the first team.
Therefore, Xabi Alonso’s decision puts an end to any speculation about Endrick’s future. He has communicated this to Florentino Pérez, and the Real Madrid president seems to be taking his advice. The player will be part of next season’s squad, and Xabi Alonso will work with him so that he can become the number 9 that Real Madrid is expecting him to be. He will have competition, with Gonzalo arriving in strong form, but he will have a prominent role in the first team.