"Has the credentials to start for the national team and play the 90 minutes" - National team boss on Real Madrid star despite lack of game-time

Real Madrid and Brazil youngster Endrick has received a glowing endorsement from his international manager Dorival Junior. The former Palmeiras youngster has found himself on the fringes of his new club this season.

Endrick is currently in Brazil ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches. The Selecao are scheduled to play Ecuador on Friday, September 6, before traveling to face Paraguay on Tuesday, September 10.

Speaking to the press, Dorival clarified that the 18-year-old's lack of minutes with Real Madrid won't have an impact with the national team. He hailed the youngster's talent and said that he has the credentials to start for Brazil and play the full game.

"Endrick, without being a starter in one of the best teams in world football, has the credentials to start for the national team and play the 90 minutes," Dobrival Jr. said to the media via Madrid Universal.

He highlighted that they need to be patient with Endrick as well as new Chelsea signing Estevao Willian.

"They [Endrick and Estevao] have a very high potential and a lot is expected of them but we must have patience," admitted the manager. "They leave their clubs and arrive at the national team with great responsibility because we need positive results because of our situation in the standings."

Brazil currently languish in sixth spot in the qualifiers after just two wins in their first six matches. Reigning Copa America and World Cup winners Argentina lead the table with 15 points. Brazil find themselves behind Uruguay, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador ahead of this week's matches.

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Endrick's Real Madrid career yet to take off

The Brazilian coach's comments would come as music to the ears of Endrick, who joined Real Madrid in the summer. Although the deal to sign the talented youngster from Palmeiras was signed in 2022, he was officially unveiled in July this year after he turned 18 years old.

His arrival was overshadowed by the club's only other recruit of the transfer window, Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman signed for the Spanish giants in a much-publicized move from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

Mbappe scored on his debut in the club's 2-0 win over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup. Although he failed to find the back of the net in his first three La Liga appearances, he bagged a brace as Real Madrid beat Real Betis 2-0 at home.

Endrick, on the other hand, is yet to make his mark with the Merengues. The Brazilian starlet has only played nine minutes for Carlo Ancelotti's side in four games this season. In that limited time, he has already made an impact, scoring a goal in their first home win of the season, a 3-0 win over Real Valladolid.