'He didn't play as well as he could' - Endrick's progression stalled at Real Madrid, admits Carlo Ancelotti

Endrick did not feature in Brazil’s latest squad, although a number of household names were rested for the final rounds of World Cup qualifying duty as the Selecao are already safely through to next summer’s finals.

He was last picked in March, with regular game time at club level proving hard to come by. Endrick started just three La Liga games for Real last season, when Ancelotti was his manager at Santiago Bernabeu.

The 19-year-old faces fierce competition for places in the Spanish capital, which is putting his place in the Brazil squad under threat. The South American nation also have other exciting youngsters emerging - such as Estevao Willian, who is now in the Premier League with Chelsea.

Ancelotti told ESPN when asked about the potential at his disposal: “I really like Estevao, he's young, he has personality, character. He started well in the Premier League, obviously Estevao, not only for this World Cup, but for the future of the national team, will be a very, very important player.

“Well, Endrick is like Estevao. He's a great talent. I think Estevao was lucky. The problem with young people who go to Europe is that they have a leading role here, but not much of a leading role there. I coached Endrick for a year and really liked him as a person and as a professional.

“And, obviously, he didn't play as well as he could, because Real Madrid had Rodrigo, Vini; competition in a big team is important, and that can affect a player's progression a little.”

Endrick is yet to figure for Real Madrid this season after suffering a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury. Said ailment ended talk of a possible loan move being completed in the summer transfer window.