From hero to zero: Endrick's loan turns sour as Real Madrid ace faces 'heavy criticism'

Chelsea target Endrick has seen his promising loan spell at Lyon turn sour, resulting in fierce criticism of the Real Madrid youngster.

The 19-year-old left the Spanish capital in the January transfer window after falling out of favour under then-coach Xabi Alonso. Endrick had missed most of pre-season due to injury and was thus playing catch-up in the early stages of the campaign.

Though Alonso was sacked in January, Endrick had already departed Real Madrid by that point. In fact, so limited were his minutes under Alonso that it was established as early as October that he would leave the LaLiga giants in the winter.

Endrick joined Ligue 1 side Lyon on a straight six-month loan after the French outfit had spent much of the first half of the season without a recognised No.9. The Brazilian was an obvious fit for the seven-time national champions.

This certainly held true in his first few games. Endrick hit like a bomb in Lyon, scoring five times and recording a pair of assists in his first five appearances in France. Since then, however, he has found it more difficult.

Endrick faces ‘heavy criticism’

Endrick has now gone five games without scoring, while also missing a game through suspension after receiving two yellow cards in a 1-0 win over Nantes in early February. He has not found the back of the net in the league since netting a hat-trick against Metz on 25 January.

He did record two assists in the Olympico against Marseille two weeks ago, but it wasn't enough to prevent a 3-2 defeat. In general, Lyon appear to have run out of steam in recent games.

They have not won since mid-February and only ended a three-game losing run with a 1-1 draw against Paris FC at the weekend, a match in which Endrick only played 25 minutes.

The young striker has gone from hero to zero for Lyon. While his decision-making was not an issue when everything he touched turned to gold, it has become a stick to beat him with now that things seemingly won't come off for him anymore.