Endrick, Emery, Paez... The teenage sensations hurtling along the fast track
Brace yourselves for the week of the wonder kids in international football. Endrick, who will join Real Madrid from Palmeiras next year, is the youngest player called into Brazil’s senior squad since Ronaldo in 1993.
Closer to home, Warren Zaire-Emery of Paris Saint-Germain will take Eduardo Camavinga’s record as France’s youngest post-war international if he makes his debut this week against Gibraltar or Greece.
Both are 17, born in 2006 and hurtling along the fastest of fast tracks.
They would qualify for the U17 World Cup, now under way in Indonesia, but they are long since beyond that level.
Endrick broke into the Palmeiras first team last year and his performances have matured under boss Abel Ferreira to the point where he is spearheading their latest title challenge, and excelling against the best teams in Brazil.
The young centre forward inspired a spectacular fightback earlier this month with two goals and an assist as they came from three down against title rivals Botafogo to win 4-3 in the 99th minute.
He scored the only goal against Athletico Paranaense three days later and scored another in a 3-0 win against Internacional.
Real Madrid agreed a deal worth up to £52.5million last year for Endrick to join them when he is 18, in July, although there could be a delay if he secures a place in the Brazil squad for the Copa America tournament in the United States.
‘A player who has the potential to be one of the great talents,’ said Brazil boss Fernando Diniz as he called him up for World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina. ‘It’s not pressure, it’s a reward and a future vision of what this kid can be.’
His debut is thought to be more likely against Colombia, although there will be symbolism if he makes his debut
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