Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has offered words of encouragement to his young teammate Endrick following a difficult performance in Saturday’s El Clasico friendly against Barcelona.
Courtois, drawing on his own experiences and observations, compared the Brazilian international to former Real Madrid star Eden Hazard and advised him to stay calm and focused as he adapts to his new environment.
Barcelona emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Madrid at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, marking a challenging debut for Endrick in the storied rivalry between Spain’s top clubs. The 17-year-old, who recently joined Real Madrid, struggled to find his rhythm in his first appearance in the iconic fixture, which is known for its intensity and high stakes.
After the match, Courtois spoke to Spanish sports outlet Diario AS about Endrick’s potential and the qualities he has observed in the young forward. “He is not very tall, but he is very strong in his legs. He’s a bit like Eden [Hazard] when I met him at Chelsea – he also had strong legs. You can kick him and he will still stand. And he has a lot of strength in the shot. In training, I have seen him shoot hard,” Courtois said, highlighting Endrick’s physical resilience and powerful shooting ability.
Courtois, who has played alongside some of the best players in the world, emphasized the need for Endrick to remain patient and composed as he navigates the pressures of playing for a club of Real Madrid’s stature. “Above all, I think he has to calm down a little bit. I don’t know if he is a little nervous, but he is going to get better and better,” the Belgian goalkeeper added.
The Belgian goalkeeper’s comparison to Eden Hazard is particularly poignant. Hazard, who played with Courtois at Chelsea before moving to Real Madrid, was known for his strong lower body and balance, traits that helped him withstand physical challenges from defenders. Courtois’ comments suggest that Endrick possesses similar physical attributes, which could serve him well as he adjusts to the demands of top-level football in Europe.
