GdS: How Amorim and Milan could use Endrick if deal with Real Madrid is agreed
AC Milan are interested in signing Endrick ahead of the winter window, and Ruben Amorim already has ideas about how to use him.
La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) report that Endrick was the first option Milan considered in July and August, when Amorim was looking for a right-sided left-footed attacking midfielder for his 3-4-2-1 system.
After Jose Mourinho vetoed his loan move to Milan, the Rossoneri secured Omari Hutchinson on loan instead, though he has seen little playing time so far. So, a new move for Endrick is being eyed in view of January.
Formation flexibility
The right-sided attacking midfield role is the one that suits Endrick best. He excels at finding space between the lines, cutting inside to shoot with his left foot, or playing through-balls. However, in the 3-4-2-1 formation, the Brazilian can also play as a centre-forward.
He is not in the Gonçalo Ramos mould (holding up the ball and dropping deep to link play) but rather attacking the space in behind, utilising his speed and the service provided by the two attacking midfielders.
Endrick would also be a good fit for Milan if Amorim sticks with the tactical shift he implemented against Lecce. Frequently using a back four, with Mario Gila at right-back and Pervis Estupiñán on the left. With a four-man defence, the options include a 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1, or 4-3-2-1.
In the 4-4-2, Endrick would play as a second striker, operating primarily on the right side of the pitch to capitalise on his ability to cut inside. He could play as a lone striker in this setup too, though the attack would clearly lose some physical presence.
The 4-2-3-1 offers an intriguing possibility: Endrick on the right, with Diego Moreira on the opposite flank and Christian Pulisic playing behind Ramos. Of course, this would be a highly attacking Milan side requiring support from two defensive-minded midfielders. Say, Rabiot alongside either Luka Modrić or Yunus Musah.
With Endrick on the pitch alongside Pulisic, Moreira, and Ramos, Milan would possess remarkable quality and potential. While this formation might not always be viable, it could prove ideal for shifting the momentum in specific home games or as an in-game tactical adjustment.
In a 4-3-2-1 setup, however, he would operate between the lines on the inside-right channel, much like in a 3-4-2-1. Although Endrick has played as a left winger in his career, he prefers cutting inside onto his left, making a left-sided position more difficult to imagine.
