Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension has created a significant selection dilemma for Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, but it could also give Endrick the opportunity he has been waiting for.
With the Brazilian winger beginning his ban against Sevilla, Mourinho will need to find an alternative attacking combination, and the young forward is among those hoping to benefit.
Endrick has been pushing for greater involvement in recent weeks, and his decisive contribution to Real Madrid’s dramatic 4-3 comeback against Roma has strengthened his case for more minutes.
The suspension to Vinicius now gives Mourinho a reason to reconsider his attacking options, with Yan Diomande and Brahim Diaz also competing for opportunities alongside Kylian Mbappe.
Endrick could get his breakthrough
Endrick played a key role in Real Madrid’s comeback win over AS Roma. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
Endrick’s performance against Roma offered a strong reminder of his determination to make an impact, and Vinicius’ suspension creates an opening at precisely the moment he is looking to convince Mourinho.
Although the Brazilian’s natural position is centre-forward, his mobility and ability to attack space could make him a viable option on the right wing.
That would allow Mbappe to remain the principal attacking threat through the middle, while giving Endrick an opportunity to influence the game from a different position.
The Sevilla fixture will therefore be important for the young forward. With Vinicius unavailable for the first game of his suspension, Endrick has a chance to show that he can contribute from a different position.
Diomande offers Mourinho an alternative to Vinicius
Diomande could feature on his preferred left-wing role. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
In Vinicius’ position, Diomande could occupy the left wing, with Endrick operating on the opposite side and Mbappe leading the attack.
This arrangement would give Real Madrid considerable pace and dribbling ability across both flanks while retaining a central goal threat.
Diomande’s one-on-one qualities could help Real Madrid stretch opposing defences, particularly against teams that defend in compact formations.
His potential inclusion would also allow Mourinho to assess whether the young attackers can complement one another rather than relying on Vinicius to provide the team’s principal threat from the left.
Brahim Diaz is another option to consider
At the same time, Brahim Diaz is also hoping to take advantage of Vinicius’ absence.
Brahim Diaz would give Mourinho a different profile than other attackers. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Unlike Endrick and Diomande, the Moroccan international offers a different profile, with his ability to combine between the lines, link midfield and attack, and create openings in congested areas.
His inclusion could lead Mourinho towards a more fluid attacking structure rather than a straightforward three-man forward line.
Brahim’s movement would give Mbappe another player to combine with, while potentially creating space for runners arriving from wider positions.
Simply put, Vinicius’ suspension remains a setback for Real Madrid, but it has opened a competitive window for players seeking greater responsibility.
Endrick, Diomande and Brahim now have an opportunity to strengthen their cases, beginning with the Sevilla fixture, as Mourinho considers how best to line up his attack during the Brazilian’s absence.