Endrick sends out strong message to Carlo Ancelotti over festive break as Real Madrid star tries to boost first-team hopes

Endrick shared a number of training pictures on Instagram, demonstrating to fans (and Carlo Ancelotti) that he is seeking to build his fitness and strength after struggling to command playing time since moving to Europe during the summer. This was his own individual training regime, putting the work in away from Real Madrid's training centre.

"Trabajo y trabajo," was the caption alongside the pictures, which translates as "work and work".

Endrick has been afforded just 160 minutes in a Real Madrid shirt so far this season, usually just put on for the final stages off the bench. The immense competition for places from Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo, combined with his age - just 18, explains that, but it is still frustrating for the youngster after making such a whirlwind impact at former club Palmeiras.

What Endrick has plenty of is time. He will still be a teenager until 2026, while his Real Madrid contract runs until 2030. As long as he puts the work in, which he appears to be, opportunities will come with patience - Ancelotti has said those chances are just around the corner already.