Endrick sent 'unfair' message by Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid wonderkid battles for minutes with Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius

Endrick has been reduced to a series of cameo performances for Real Madrid this season. Indeed, the 18-year-old has made six substitute appearances for the club but is yet to start a game. He impressed once again in limited action against Espanyol on Saturday, coming off the bench to win a penalty as Ancelotti's side ran out 4-1 winners, leading some to ask if he deserves more minutes.

The former Palmeiras forward faces almighty competition at the Bernabeu, with Vinicius, Mbappe, Rodrygo and Arda Guler all vying to start in attack. It's an enviable position for any manager to be in, but such depth can cause issues when egos are affected. Ancelotti has already admitted that Rodrygo could get jealous at the attention paid to Vinicius, Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, and Endrick will be desperate to play as often as possible after moving to Madrid in the summer.

"On the one hand, yes, I may be being unfair, because he is training well; he is someone with a lot of quality," Ancelotti said. "But in front of him are Vinicius, Rodrygo, Mbappe... it is necessary, for him to be a little patient."

Endrick will hope to receive another chance to impress when Los Blancos, unbeaten in La Liga through six games, host Alaves on Tuesday evening.