Endrick in the National Team: debate about entry against Morocco — Sportopod
Endrick in the Seleção: fair debate, but reflects Brazil's passion and demand
Endrick's absence against Morocco reignited discussions about the management of young talent and the pressure for a new idol in the national team. Ancelotti opted for experience, but the fans demand results and visibility for the number 9.
Endrick's non-use in the 1-1 defeat against Morocco in the World Cup reignited the debate about the management of young talent in the Brazilian team. Carlo Ancelotti opted for Luiz Henrique and Matheus Cunha in attack, a decision that generated criticism on social media and among fans. The draw in Morocco exposed the tension between the expectation of seeing Endrick on the field and the strategy of an experienced coach like Ancelotti.
The number 9, despite being the biggest promise in Brazilian football, was kept on the bench, while players like Vinicius Júnior, Raphinha and Igor Thiago were also not used. The match, played on November 28, 2022, reinforced the demand for results and more space for the new generation. Ancelotti justified his choices based on tactical dynamics and the need to keep the team balanced.
He pointed out that the international experience of Luiz Henrique and Matheus Cunha offered greater defensive security and the ability to maintain the pace of the game. The absence of Endrick — who had already shone at Palmeiras and aroused international interest — was presented as a decision to protect the young man's development, avoiding premature exposure in a high-pressure scenario. The reaction on social media was immediate.
Fans and commentators questioned Ancelotti's management, while others defended patience with the young striker's maturation process. The CBF, in turn, maintained its support for the coach, but the pressure for results and more space for Endrick only increased. Historically, Brazil has a pattern of hesitation when inserting prodigies in decisive moments.
Neymar, who only gained regular space after the 2014 World Cup, and Pelé, who was spared in the late 1960s, illustrate the tendency to protect talents until collective trust is consolidated. This history fuels the perception that the team still seeks a balance between tradition and renewal, placing Endrick in an even greater spotlight. The match against Switzerland, scheduled for December 2, 2022, becomes the next thermometer for Ancelotti's politics.
If the coach maintains the same conservative stance, Endrick could remain on the bench, but a tactical change or an adverse result could open up space for the youngster. The decision to select the striker or not will be analyzed as a test of the fans' patience versus the need for immediate results. From a tactical point of view, keeping more experienced players in attack may have been an attempt to preserve the defensive structure after the failure that resulted in Morocco's goal.
However, the lack of offensive rhythm from Luiz Henrique and Matheus Cunha exposed a vulnerability: Brazil failed to create clear opportunities, which reinforced the argument that the energy of a young man like Endrick could have broken the stalemate. Analysts point out that the lack of variation in passing lines and the absence of a counterattacking pivot limited the ability to put pressure on the opponent. In terms of career management, Ancelotti's decision reflects a recurring dilemma in elite teams: balancing the need for immediate results with the long-term development of talent.
Pressure from the media and fans, which have historically driven hasty decisions, could force the coach to accelerate Endrick's insertion, risking the player's confidence. The way the CBF mediates this impasse could define the future of the generation that arrives to replace the veterans, marking a critical transition for Brazilian football. Read at Trivela
Why this matters
The debate transcends specific replacement. It exposes Brazil's incessant search for a new idol after years of frustration, personified in Endrick. The pressure on Ancelotti and the CBF highlights how fans' passion can overshadow tactical analysis and long-term planning, impacting the management of young talent and the public perception of national football.
Frequently asked
Why didn't Endrick come on against Morocco?
Carlo Ancelotti chose to keep the team tactically balanced, prioritizing players with more experience in the international context. Endrick, despite his talent, was kept on the bench along with other young players like Vinicius Júnior and Raphinha.
What was the score of the game against Morocco?
Brazil drew 1-1 with Morocco in the 2022 World Cup, in a match played on November 28th. The Brazilian goal was scored by Vinicius Júnior.
Is Endrick considered the team's new idol?
Endrick, just 19 years old at the time, was already seen as the biggest promise in Brazilian football. His non-use against Morocco reignited discussions about the search for a new idol after years of frustration in the national team.
How did the fans react to Ancelotti's decision?
The decision generated a strong reaction on social media, with fans and commentators criticizing the absence of Endrick and other young people. Some advocated patience with the number 9's maturation process.
What is the next match for the Brazilian team?
The Brazilian team faced Switzerland on December 2, 2022, in a game valid for the second round of the World Cup group. The result of this match was crucial for Brazil's classification.
