“He has a gift” - Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti highlights Endrick’s ‘special’ ability after stunning Champions League cameo against Stuttgart
Manager Carlo Ancelotti has hailed Real Madrid's young sensation Endrick Filipe following his brilliant showing in Los Blancos' UEFA Champions League victory over Stuttgart. The Spanish giants kicked off their title defense with a win, courtesy of a 3-1 win over their German opponents on Tuesday (September 17).
Goals from Kylian Mbappe, Antonio Rudiger, and a sublime stoppage-time finish from Brazilian wonderkid, Endrick were enough to seal a hard-fought victory for Los Blancos.
It was 18-year-old Endrick who grabbed all the headlines after the game, as he became the youngest player in Real Madrid's history to score in the Champions League. The Brazilian teenager came on in the 80th minute for Jude Bellingham and finished off a sublime counter-attack move deep into stoppage time, blasting a 30-meter shot on his left foot past the Stuttgart goalkeeper.
Head coach Ancelotti was left impressed by the performance of Endrick, who is currently in his first season in Europe, following his €60 million move from Brazilian outfit Palmeiras.
Speaking to the media after the game, the Italian tactician heaped praise on Endrick, dubbing the Brazilian teenager as special. He said (via Sportstar):
“Endrick has a gift. He has something special. He has courage, quality. His shooting ability is something special. I was sure he was gonna score even in a short time, a few minutes. He’s special.”
Ancelotti continued:
"He, [Endrick] has the gift that strikers dream of, the gift of being very effective, decisive. You can see that he has something special, something I have never seen. And he has such a strong and very fast shooting."
How has Endrick Filipe faired for Real Madrid thus far this season?
The Brazilian teenager is gradually adapting to life at the Santiago Bernabeu following his big-money move from South American clubside Palmeiras which was completed last summer.
Endrick, who is regarded as one of the world's most promising talents, was snapped up by Real Madrid, who invested a transfer fee in the region of €60 million to secure the services of the Brazilian wonderkid.
So far, Endrick has already netted two goals for Real Madrid, with both coming in his respective debuts in La Liga and the Champions League while playing a total of 23 minutes in both competitions.
It will be interesting to see if the left-footed forward will be able to continue his fine start to life in Europe with Spanish giants Real Madrid.