Mbappé vs Endrick: Real Madrid's worrying problem

This season, Real Madrid has made two standout signings: Kylian Mbappé and Endrick. Mbappé, already a global football icon, and Endrick, a rising star, are both consistently delivering strong performances. But the question remains: how much does their skill level differ?

Real Madrid's opening Champions League match against Stuttgart was a tough test for both teams. Mbappé started and netted his fifth goal in his European debut for the club.

After scoring in the European Super Cup final against Atalanta, Mbappé initially struggled to find the net in the league. He ended his drought with two goals against Betis on matchday four at the Santiago Bernabéu.

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Mbappé didn't falter on matchday six, scoring a penalty against Real Sociedad. In his Champions League debut for Real Madrid, he struck again in the 46th minute, finishing a well-placed pass from Rodrygo to open the scoring and lead his team to victory.

Following a clearance by Thibaut Courtois, Endrick took possession and sprinted the length of the field, with Vinicius Jr. and Mbappé by his side. Showing confidence, he opted not to pass and fired a powerful shot from outside the box, surprising the Stuttgart goalkeeper and sealing the 3-1 win.

Endrick's performance is impressive, having appeared in just five official matches (four in La Liga and one in the Champions League) with only 25 minutes of playing time. Despite the limited minutes, he has already scored two goals.

Aside from the European Super Cup, Endrick actually scored his first goal before Mbappé. It came on matchday two against Valladolid, in the 95th minute, just like his late goal against Stuttgart. This highlights how effectively he's capitalizing on his limited playing time.

In terms of numbers, Mbappé has scored 5 goals in 7 official matches, averaging 0.7 goals per game. Endrick, meanwhile, has 2 goals in 5 matches, with an average of 0.4 goals per game, as documented by Transfermarkt. However, considering the difference in playing time — Mbappé has started every match and played a total of 565 minutes — the Brazilian's efficiency stands out.

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Another major difference between the two players is their on-field presence. While Mbappé is improving with each game, becoming more integrated into the team and sharper in front of goal, he had a slow start. There were even criticisms of his early performances, both before the international break and during his time with the French national team in the Nations League.

In contrast, despite limited playing time under Carlo Ancelotti, Endrick has consistently demonstrated strong self-confidence and posed a significant threat to opponents. His two goals and a near-match-winning shot against Las Palmas in the third league match underscore his impact.

The key difference between the two also lies in their experience and careers. At 25, Mbappé had already spent 10 seasons at the top of European football with Monaco and PSG, even contending for the Champions League title with the Parisian club before joining Real Madrid.

Meanwhile, Endrick, who turned 18 in July, has just arrived in Europe after a successful stint with Palmeiras in Brazil. Despite his youth, he led the team to two league titles in 2022 and 2023. In his debut European campaign, his inexperience hasn't held him back; rather, he's been thriving.

Another consideration is the broader debate about Real Madrid's entire attacking line. In this context, Endrick might have more opportunities to secure playing time and eventually become a key figure in the team's forward line.

Vinicius's current struggles — despite his seemingly untouchable status — and Rodrygo's uncertain position could provide Endrick with an opportunity to carve out a starting role. Navigating this path is always challenging at a club like Real Madrid, but these factors might pave the way for Endrick's ascent.

Regardless of the situation, in just five league games and one Champions League match, it’s clear that Real Madrid made the right decision in signing both players. Endrick, in particular, has emerged as a pleasant surprise and a new hope for the club’s fans.

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