Is Endrick the next big thing?

The 17-year-old will likely be used by Fernando Diniz against Colombia or Argentina in the South American Qualifiers

Josué Seixas

2023-11-14 16:29:02

Image Credits: © (CBF)

Football is not an exact science and is always hard to predict results, especially in Brazil, where every player is surrounded by a lot of things outside the sport. Poverty, crime, transportation problems… We can name everything that many of the boys need to surpass to succeed.

Endrick is now on the top-bracket of Brazilian football. The 17-year-old is already sold to Real Madrid and recently has shown again why he might be one of the responsibles of reuniting the fans with the Brazilian National Team. He can score, he can dribble, he is strong. A mix of the best characteristics of top-players, those that many still talk about.

Being called-up to the Brazilian National Team not only shows that Endrick might become the 5th youngster to wear the Amarelinha (he will surpass Ronaldo, who played his first match at 17 years and 186 days, while Pelé is at the top of the list, with 16 years and 257 days on his debut), but also that Fernando Diniz tends to give opportunities where some people would not.

Brazil will face Colombia in Barranquilla and then Argentina in Rio de Janeiro on the upcoming days.

There was a big discussion in 2010 because Dunga did not call-up Neymar or Paulo Henrique Ganso to the World Cup or even before the tournament.

They were playing great at Santos and would eventually take football in their hands, for a while, with Neymar being the most known of the duo and receiving more praise. Ganso was a Libertadores champion with Fluminense two weeks ago.

At the time, I thought that both Ney and Ganso should be called-up, as I now think that Endrick also should be there amongst the best players of the country. Real Madrid will have one of the most powerful trios in football with Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Endrick next season.

Endrick is the top figure in Abel Ferreira’s Palmeiras, now league leaders in Brazil after taking out a 13-point advantage from Botafogo.

He was the best player in the team’s comeback 4-3 win against Botafogo with two goals and one assist; he scored the sole goal against Athletico and was also in the net in the 3-0 victory against Internacional.

Football is no science. For players, a lot of hard work and great advice are two of the most important things when pursuing a great career.

There’s no need to talk about talent. If you ever see Brazilian kids playing football on the beach or at the várzea, you will know what I’m talking about.

Endrick appears to have all these qualities. I have known him and his football for about two or three years, when someone presented to me a video of his goalscoring abilities. He was already too good for his age.

I can not say if he is the next big thing.

But, as a Brazilian, I surely hope he is.