Real Madrid new arrival has the perfect example to follow in teammate, says Brazil icon

At this point, it is safe to say that the heart and soul of Real Madrid’s attack lies in Brazil.

Vinicius Jr, over the years, has established himself as one of the team’s most trusted assets in the final third with Rodrygo Goes not too far behind.

The recent arrival of Endrick only furthers the South American nation’s influence on Los Blancos’ attack as the trio could well define an era in Madrid.

Speaking to the media recently, Brazilian legend and renowned former free-kick specialist Marcos Assuncao spoke about two of Real Madrid’s young Brazilian sensations – Endrick and Vinicius.

He began, unsurprisingly, with the club’s latest signing who was only presented as a new Real Madrid player last weekend.

“He is a great player. He has just turned 18 and in Brazil he has already won several titles with Palmeiras, where I also played, being the protagonist. He has quality and personality,” he began on Endrick.

Praise showered on Endrick

The legend then went on to reveal that despite being just 18 years of age, the young forward had what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

“In other cases, I would say no, because young Brazilians go to Europe too early, but in Endrick’s case I think so. The big difference is that he has a winning mentality. And that he is going to join the most successful club in the world.”

“Madrid is the best team that exists and just getting there means you are a champion. He is already a star, at 16 years old he was already the protagonist in Palmeiras, but now he must adapt to the culture of European football,” he added.

Elaborating on how playing for Los Blancos would only catalyse Endrick’s development, the legendary midfielder said,

“Just by training with those players, he will already learn a lot. Who can boast of training with football players of that world class? It’s a privilege.”

“He will have everything to grow as a figure. He will need time to adapt because the change is abrupt, but I think that little by little he will have minutes, he will find his space and he will gain the confidence of the coach,” he added.

Assuncao was then asked to compare Endrick to players of the past and whose profile he resembled most. The former player, however, admitted that it was a tricky question.

“It is difficult to find a prototype like Endrick in past generations. He doesn’t look like Romario, because he performed more in tight spaces. Neither is he like Ronaldo, because he dropped deep and pushed forward in attack.”

“He doesn’t look like Ronaldinho, Rivaldo or Vinicius either. Endrick is strength, speed and goal. He needs a field to run. In addition, he also fights a lot and usually positions himself well tactically,” he added.

On Vinicius

The Brazilian legend was then asked to comment on Real Madrid’s protagonist in recent years, Vinicius Jr. Unsurprisingly, he was first asked if the youngster deserved this year’s Ballon d’Or.

“Yes. He has just turned 24 years old and his progression has been enormous, both individually and collectively. Obviously, it has helped him to be on a team like Real Madrid, which almost always wins,” he began.

Assuncao then urged Vinicius to be a role model for the team’s latest signing and stated that Endrick had a similar path to greatness.

“He must be an example for Endrick. He arrived, had a time of adaptation, he integrated into the culture of the country and the club and learned about the winning character of the club and its players.”

“That’s the path that Endrick should follow. Vinicius should be a reference for him,” he added.

Finally, the former midfielder elaborated on Vinicius’ growth in Madrid and how he overcame all obstacles to be what he is today.

“Many people said that Vinicius was not going to succeed at Real Madrid, but he has managed to transform all those opinions and show that you can go very far with work, ambition and the desire to learn.”

“He has understood how important it should be for his team and is now a world star. He has a lot of merit what he has achieved in the best club in the world,” he concluded.

Source: AS