Real Madrid teenager Endrick impresses Ancelotti but Mbappe fails to open league account

Carlo Ancelotti was impressed at the impact made by Endrick, who scored on his Real Madrid debut in their 3-0 victory over Valladolid this afternoon.

The former Palmeiras forward has had to wait 10 months to play for Los Blancos due to FIFA rules on young players being transferred abroad but hit the ground running with an injury-time goal to hand Madrid a win less convincing than the scoreline suggests.

Landmark goal for @Endrick on his official Real Madrid debut.#RealFootball | #RealMadridRealValladolid

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) August 25, 2024

The champions were held by Valladolid until the 50th minute when Federico Valverde netted the opener with a heavily deflected shot. Brahim Diaz grabbed the second with two minutes to go before Endrick, who had replaced Kylian Mbappe 10 minutes earlier, added further gloss.

Ancelotti said of the Brazil international: “He looks good. He has great potential, and with the goal, he showed all his qualities. He has good control, and a good shot.

“He’s a penalty box forward. In small spaces he’s very, very dangerous.”

Endrick’s late cameo meant he stole the headlines from Mbappe, who struggled on his home league debut.

The France captain has now failed to score in either of Madrid’s opening two league games but Ancelotti was not concerned and defended his decision to utilise Mbappe in the centre of a three-man attack.

“[Mbappé] is a spectacular forward, he’s very fast, he moves well without the ball,” said the Italian.

“He had three chances. I think in that position he’ll score, as he’s always scored. I don’t think he has to play on the left or the right. He’ll score goals.”