Lyon FC: Can Endrick Rediscover His Form in Spain?

In just four days, Endrick and Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon FC) travel to Vigo and then to Le Havre, two port cities that share a similar, grey atmosphere, filled with cranes and containers. Clouds are gathering over the young Brazilian forward after a string of underwhelming performances, and all of Lyon now shares the same hope: that the sea air will restore some clarity to his game, and that he won’t spend the next two matches chasing seagulls in the misty sky.

Judging by his recent outings against Strasbourg (1-3), Lens (2-2, 4-5 on penalties), and Paris FC (1-1), it’s a tall order. However, the 19-year-old at least returns to a country he knows, Spain, and an opponent he has previously dominated. Just over a year ago, his decisive appearance and brace in extra time helped Real Madrid eliminate Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey round of 16 (5-2 a.e.t.).

“He loves to change the game with a ‘brutal’ action, it seems like he’s constantly thinking about ‘finishing’ the match,” explains Claudio Giraldez, the Galician coach, who was in charge at the time. “He will be subject to particular attention, like any other player creating so much difference. I think the loan to Lyon FC is a good thing for him to continue progressing, taking on more responsibility and getting playing time. He’s a player with a lot of potential, very young, very ambitious and very difficult to stop near the opponent’s area.”

This is how Spanish media consistently talk about him, closely following his progress with Lyon FC, which has been bumpy over the past month. Endrick’s last goal came on February 4th against Laval in the Coupe de France round of 16 (2-0), and only his outstanding performance at the Vélodrome (2-3, two assists) has brightened otherwise sluggish and concerning weeks.

Paulo Fonseca is right to point out that the Brazilian prodigy is only 19 years old, but he wasn’t loaned to Lyon FC to score a hat-trick against Metz (5-2), the league’s bottom team, and then disappear. He’s in France to make a splash, score goals, help the club win a title, and catch the Seleção’s eye for the World Cup. That’s a lot of pressure on young shoulders, but he’s here for it, while his responsibility is also to make people forget, at least for one great night, the numerous absences in the offensive sector.

Injuries to Malick Fofana, Ernest Nuamah, Pavel Sulc, Afonso Moreira, and even Ainsley Maitland-Niles deprive Lyon FC of pace and depth. The Brazilian must therefore push himself and make runs into space, not just those intended to be served, without complaining and without showing signs of frustration, as has been the case in his recent performances.

Will he do it? “I still count on him a lot and I think he can be very important, yes,” Fonseca declared. “He has recovered some freshness, he is very motivated to come back here and he wants to demonstrate that he is doing well.”

“It’s just another match, it’s not particularly special because it’s played in Spain,” a source close to the player tempers. “The match is important, like all the ones he’s played since arriving in France, with a particular dimension, because it’s a knockout tie. But against Lille, Laval and Lens, it was the same, with no room for error. Here, it’s the European Cup. Is it more important than a national cup match? Yes. But Endrick is focused and serene.”

“He works very hard,” adds his teammate Dominik Greif. “He’s a great kid and he behaves very well.”

The number 9 also has a major asset: he inspires fear in his opponents. “He’s electric, very fast,” details Javi Rodriguez, Celta Vigo defender. “We’re going to try not to let him play, to be vigilant, so he can’t appear at his best.”

That’s the crux of this first leg, already decisive for a depleted Lyon FC. They secretly hope that their stocky striker (1.73m) will, on a good day, carry them on his back again. For more insights into European football, check out UEFA’s official website.