"It's rare to see a player with these types of characteristics" - Carlo Ancelotti heaps praise on Real Madrid star despite loss to AC Milan
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti heaped praise on Endrick after their first pre-season friendly against AC Milan on Wednesday, July 31. They lost 1-0 at the Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.
Los Blancos had signed Endrick from Palmeiras in 2022 but had to wait until this summer to bring him to the club after he turned 18. He was officially presented as a Real Madrid player on July 27 at the Santiago Bernabeu before they traveled to the US for pre-season.
Endrick started their first friendly against AC Milan. He completed 7/9 passes, made one key pass, won 2/5 duels, and made one clearance before getting subbed off in the second half. After the game, Carlo Ancelotti praised the youngster, saying (via BBC Sport):
"He's very fast, very dangerous in tight spaces, has the ability to turn with speed in little space, very agile in getting himself free, and all these qualities he has means he's a great talent. It's rare to see a player with these types of characteristics."
Endrick scored 21 goals and provided four assists in 82 senior appearances for Palmeiras before his move to Los Blancos.
Carlo Ancelotti assesses Real Madrid's performance in AC Milan defeat
Los Blancos had 48% possession against AC Milan, with 2/8 attempts on target. The Italian giants, meanwhile, had 4/11 attempts on target, including the solitary goal of the game from Samuel Chukwueze in the 55th minute.
After the game, Carlo Ancelotti assessed Real Madrid's performance, saying (via Managing Madrid):
“We competed, we fought, we did good things. The first game, with a lot of young players, the important thing was to compete. We had some good moments, others that need to be improved. It is quite normal. The evaluation is positive, it is a dream for the youth players to play this match. We have managed better with the veterans, but now they should not play more than 45 minutes.
"Now we have to prepare for another match. We have two more. The Brazilians are back, let’s see if they can play something in the Clásico. This is what these matches are for. Those who arrived on the 15th are already in good condition.”
Real Madrid will next face arch-rivals Barcelona in another friendly on August 3 before clashing against Chelsea. They will then face Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup at National Stadium Warsaw on August 14.