Brazil calls Madrid-bound Endrick for World Cup qualifiers،
Uncapped Palmeiras striker Endrick has been called up to Brazil’s squad for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.
The 17-year-old prodigy, destined for Real Madrid, has scored three goals in Palmeiras’ last two games.
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“He is a player who has the potential to become one of the great talents,” Brazilian coach Fernando Diniz said of Endrick. “We don’t know if it’s [talent] will be confirmed. It’s not pressure.
“It’s a reward and a future vision of what this kid can be. A boy born in 2006 who produces what he produces catches my attention. And right now he is having his best moment, playing against greats teams from Brazil and managing to stand out.”
Only one right back called and it’s Emerson Royal, wtf pic.twitter.com/b8kIIHgyXx
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Endrick has scored 11 goals in 47 games in all competitions for Palmeiras this season. Real Madrid announced in December that Endrick would join them at the age of 18 in July 2024.
His father and agent, Douglas Ramos, told ESPN that his son’s inclusion in Brazil’s first-team squad surprised them.
“Truth be told, we were hoping to maybe get called to the Olympic team, which was my son’s goal,” Ramos said. “I hope it works, we know its potential. Let it not be the last, others will follow.”
Other new additions to the squad include forwards Pepê from FC Porto and Brighton and João Pedro from Hove Albion. Tottenham’s Richarlison and Wolverhampton’s Matheus Cunha have been left out of the squad.
Brazil are without their top scorer Neymar, who underwent knee surgery after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee. Brazil will play Colombia on November 16 and host Argentina at the Maracana Stadium five days later.
Diniz’s team are third in their qualifying group with seven points from four matches. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced on Monday that the team will play an international friendly match against England at Wembley on March 23, 2024.
