The Turk justified Ancelotti's confidence and asked for more with a positive performance in the Copa del Rey.
Real Madrid arrived in Cartagena with one striking name: Endrick. The Brazilian, signed for €35 million (possibly rising to €60 million), has not yet made the impact in Madrid that he and the fans had hoped for. In his first appearances he showed promise and scored goals with ease.
Carlo Ancelotti even gave him a starting place in the Champions League against Lille in France on October 2. But like the team that night, he struggled. Since then, his performances have been inconsistent: sometimes involved, sometimes absent.
That changed in the Copa del Rey, where Endrick returned to the starting XI in a match that featured another emerging talent: Arda Güler. The Turkish midfielder celebrated his first anniversary as a Real Madrid player in style. Güler made his debut on January 6, 2024 against Arandina, after months of setbacks due to a meniscus tear and subsequent muscle injuries. Even then, he hinted at his potential.
Endrick failed to impress against Deportivo Minera
Madrid's visit to Murcia was a success both on and off the pitch. A crowd of 14,000 filled the stadium, giving La Minera a financial boost that would benefit them for years to come.
In the game, Güler's progress as a player was undeniable. Endrick, on the other hand, showed a certain awkwardness in front of goal that seemed incompatible with the role of a reliable goalscorer. While Güler called for more opportunities under Ancelotti, Endrick still has work to do.
An easy 5-0 victory came for LaLiga, which could have been even more one-sided had it not been for La Minera goalkeeper Fran Martínez, who made no fewer than seventeen saves. Of Madrid's many bright spots, none shone brighter than Güler. His achievement went beyond scoring two goals; he showed the versatility and creativity of a classic all-rounder.
Güler started as a right winger and showed his ability to cut inside and unleash shots, one of which resulted in his first goal. Later, after substitutions, he moved into central midfield – a position he often fills for Turkey – with similarly promising results.
No Madrid player is as committed as Güler
Even when playing on the wing, Güler made a significant contribution in midfield, helping to convert play and create chances. His statistics were exceptional: seven recoveries (only two fewer than leader Fran García), 61 completed passes (second most), 29 last-third passes (most on the team), five chances created and seven shots, four of which were on goal. Not a single Madrid player was more involved, with 95 touches spread across different parts of the pitch.
This season, Güler has received much more trust from Ancelotti compared to last year. He has already made eight starts and is approaching 800 minutes of playing time. Yet there is a sense that Ancelotti is reluctant to fully embrace him, especially in midfield, where the Italian believes Güler may lack a physical presence.
However, his defensive contribution against Cartagena – seven recoveries and two successful tackles – suggests otherwise. Competition in Madrid's attack remains fierce, but Güler's performances in the Copa del Rey, with two goals and constant involvement in the opposition's penalty area, strengthen his case. With three goals and three assists this season, the ball is now in Ancelotti's court.
“He must be patient; the goals will come”
For Endrick, the night in Cartagena was bittersweet. He arrived eager to prove himself, but left with mixed results. It wasn't a bad match: it was active, intense and even created a golden opportunity for Loren, who went begging.
Yet his lack of composure as an attacker was evident. Early in the match he squandered a one-on-one opportunity, with his shot saved by Fran Martínez. That pattern continued as he struggled to find the back of the net.
In the second half, Endrick showed more mobility and creativity as a winger. His best chance came from a long-range effort, brilliantly saved by Martínez. Despite his lack of goals, Ancelotti praised his performance: “He played a good game.
Scoring is just a bonus. He moved well, created chances and his positioning behind the attacking line was effective. He lacked precision, but was very dangerous on the right. He just has to be patient; The goals will come.”
Endrick's numbers were encouraging: 24 passes into the final third, nine dribble attempts (five successful), six shots (five on target) and four chances created. Although his efforts deserved a goal, it was not to be. The question now is when he will get his next chance to start. The draw for the next round of the Copa del Rey could play a crucial role in shaping Endrick's immediate future at Real Madrid.
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