Endrick responds to Benzema comparisons after another match-winning display for Lyon

Endrick has been favourably compared to Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema following another match-winning display on loan at Lyon.

Unable to make an impression under Xabi Alonso at the Bernabeu early this season, the 19-year-old Brazil star has been farmed out to the Ligue 1 side to finish the campaign and has made an immediate impact in France.

He has five goals in five games, the latest of which was a fierce strike that sent OL into the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France at the expense of second-tier outfit Laval, leading to flattering comparisons.

Benzema is Real Madrid’s second all-time top scorer behind Ronaldo and won five Champions League titles with the club. He also picked up the 2022 Ballon d’Or.

His powerful effort gave further strength to comments from Lyon legend Cris, a former Brazil centre-back, that he can follow in Benzema’s steps to the very top of the game.

Benzema ‘light years’ ahead of me – Endrick

“I watched Karim Benzema grow up in Lyon. He had a tremendous character. When I see Endrick, it’s almost the same thing. He’s a player who can beat defenders one-on-one and unbalance them in the box,” Cris said.

Speaking to the media after Lyon’s victory over Laval, which a stoppage-time own goal secured, Endrick was delighted by the comparison but said that Benzema, who recently moved to Al Hilal from Al Ittihad much to the ire of Cristiano Ronaldo, remains ‘light years’ above him.

“It’s great for me because Karim is a great player – an incredible player who was the best player in the world. But Benzema is light years ahead of me. He’s a great player; I hope things go well for him at Al-Hilal. I’m very happy to be here, to be where Karim played,” he said.

What’s next for Endrick?

Endrick’s performances with Lyon have caught the eye around Europe, with Chelsea notably linked with a move for the teenager.

Real Madrid, though, are insistent that he remains central to their long-term plans, and with a contract that expires in 2030, the prospects of Los Blancos giving him up easily look slim.

More immediately, the concern for Endrick is firing Lyon back into an automatic Champions League spot next season by finishing in the top three in Ligue 1.

Related stories:

Real Madrid face new player rebellion: Galacticos hit out at Arbeloa

Chelsea set the transfer market alight: €120m Real Madrid double signing planned

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store