Endrick and Carlos Espí are battling for a place behind Kylian Mbappé in Real Madrid’s attacking hierarchy. The two young strikers have already started responding to each other with their performances during pre-season.
Kylian Mbappé is expected to remain Real Madrid’s undisputed first-choice centre-forward this season. The French superstar will lead the attack whenever he is available, but behind him, José Mourinho still has an important decision to make. The Portuguese coach must determine who will become his preferred alternative when Mbappé needs a rest, is unavailable, or when Real Madrid require fresh attacking options during a match.
For the moment, Endrick appears to have a slight advantage in this battle. The Brazilian already knows the club, the dressing room and the demands that come with playing for Real Madrid. He has also started several pre-season matches, unlike Carlos Espí, who has mainly had to make his case from the bench.
Endrick’s experience within the squad works in his favour, despite having spent the final six months of last season on loan at Lyon. He understands the expectations surrounding Real Madrid and has already had time to develop relationships with several of his teammates.
Carlos Espí, meanwhile, has only recently arrived and is still adapting to his new surroundings. The Spanish striker must learn Mourinho’s tactical demands while also developing an understanding with his new teammates.
However, Espí has already shown that he is capable of seriously challenging Endrick. Both forwards have found the net during pre-season and have taken advantage of the opportunities given to them.
Espí could even have added another goal to his tally against Deportivo at Riazor. The young striker found the back of the net, but his effort was eventually ruled out for a narrow offside position. Despite the decision, the move once again demonstrated his ability to be dangerous inside the penalty area.
Two very different attacking profiles
One of the most interesting aspects of the competition is that Mourinho has two strikers with very different characteristics.
At 1.94 metres tall, Carlos Espí is a genuine penalty-box forward. His physical presence allows him to compete with centre-backs, attack crosses and provide Real Madrid with a strong aerial threat. He can also occupy defenders and create space for teammates around him.
Endrick offers something different. The Brazilian is quicker, more explosive and particularly dangerous when attacking space. His acceleration and movement behind defensive lines can become a major weapon, especially against opponents who defend high up the pitch.
KYLIAN MBAPPÉ ESTÁ DE VUELTA 🤩 pic.twitter.com/1Xn1rvUEkp
— (fan) REAL MADRID FANS 🤍 (@AdriRM33) August 13, 2026
This difference in playing style could prove crucial in Mourinho’s decisions throughout the season. The Real Madrid coach may not always need the same type of striker.
Against compact defensive blocks, Espí’s height and presence in the box could be particularly useful. In more open matches, Endrick’s pace and ability to attack spaces may give him the advantage.
Rather than simply competing for the same role, the two youngsters could therefore become complementary options for Mourinho. Mbappé remains firmly at the top of the hierarchy, but the battle to become Real Madrid’s second-choice centre-forward promises to be one of the most interesting stories of the season.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to react.