By Alfredo Echenique Lugo
One of the favorites to win the 2024 Copa América in the United States is Brazil. With figures like Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, Allison, Paquetá and Raphinha they will seek to give the Canarinha its tenth continental trophy.
But beyond the big stars, Brazil also has some young people who raise great expectations. One of them is Endrick, who at only 17 years old is already a member of Real Madrid and will play his first Copa América with his national team.
Brazil will debut this Monday against Costa Rica at the SoFi Stadium in California and Endrick himself spoke to the media prior to this match where he explained how happy he feels to be called up for Brazil.
“I am focused, working and waiting for God’s time. I’m going to work to be there. I’m going to wait for God’s timing and what Dorival wants. I am very grateful to him for calling me, for giving me that confidence,” explained the talented young forward.
Endrick also made it clear to the prisoner that his head at this moment is only in the Brazilian team and not in Real Madrid. Team to which he will join this summer at just 17 years old.
“I am with the national team, this is not the time to talk about Real Madrid. My head is only set on Brazil and in the locker room with my future club teammates (Vinícius, Rodrygo and Militao) we only talk about Brazil for now,” Endrick explained.
On the other hand, Endrick also explained how he handles external pressure. Well, there is a lot of expectation around the young footballer to see what he can do with the Brazilian team.
“Before I saw that pressure a lot in the networks. Ideas like: ‘I have to do this, I have to score goals, I have to live up to expectations’ were going through my head. But I changed my mentality and stopped doing it, overthinking things. “I don’t focus on the pressure, only on my family,” explained the Brazilian.
For Brazil’s debut in the Copa América the coach will surely play with Vinícius, Rodrygo and Raphinha up front. However, Endrick is called to be a permanent replacement and see many minutes with his team in this tournament.
Keep reading:
· Former Brazilian national team player launched a strong attack against Vinícius Jr.: “He is a provocateur and a bit of a clown”
· “No one is above Brazil”: Brazilian promise Endrick awaits his moment in the Copa América
· Brazilians Edina Alves and Neuza Back are the first women on the refereeing team in a Copa América game