NEndrik is afraid of something else. Not PSG or Parc des Princes. The young Brazilian put in a perfect performance with goals, assists and a defense that reflected his evolution in recent weeks. Those around him summed up the match as follows: “This game was on his calendar. Beast mode activated.” “I’m very happy with the goal and the assist. It’s a tough job to score, assist and defend well,” he explained after the Ligue 1+ game. But his growth is not measured by numbers alone. This can also be evaluated through his involvement off the ball, which Paulo Fonseca has insisted on. “He was decisive, but I’m even more satisfied with how he worked defensively for the team,” said the Lyon coach.
accept the coach’s challenge
A few days ago, Fonseca asked him for further commitment. After that, Endrick became less prominent and retired from the bench. But he answered the best way he knew how. He put his head down and got to work and quickly improved. He also recorded an assist, regaining his starting spot and strengthening his role in the team. “I don’t have a problem with the manager. I’m never angry about that and I’m running away from work. I have to give my answers on the field,” said the striker.
We can see a change not only in his performance, but also in his position. Real Madrid no longer see him only as a number nine, or as a player who can give Mbappe a rest. At Lyon, he stands out on the right side, demonstrating decisiveness with his speed and dribbling ability. This versatility opens up the possibility of him becoming a starter at Los Blancos, a position that is currently in search of a permanent owner.
final reconversion
Statistics support his influence. He scored a goal in his debut after 42 minutes, recorded an assist in his second game, and completed a hat trick in his third. The message came loud and clear to Valdebebas. He currently has seven goals and seven assists (14 goals involved), a key figure as Lyon aim to return to the Champions League for the first time in six seasons. In France, he is considered more mature and has clearer ideas. After the match, he continued to praise his adaptation to the French league, as he was able to speak to the press in fluent French within four months.
His loan ends on June 30th and Real Madrid’s plan is for him to return this summer and compete for a place in the starting eleven. This means that Gonzalo García will leave following the same method. The club remains committed to the Brazilian, who paid €50 million to Palmeiras in 2024. His development has followed the path the club is known for, having loaned out players such as Lucas Vázquez, Casemiro and Dani Carvajal before establishing themselves in the first team.
