Introduction: Malo Gusto’s Bayern Nightmare Bayern Confirm 96% Pass Master Will Need to Start Again for Chelsea – It’s Not Reece James
Chelsea’s defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich by 3-1 was heartbreaking. The match revealed defensive vulnerabilities and questioned some of the players. Malo Gusto played a nightmare, unable to handle Bayern pressure and aggression. While as much as one player’s mistake shone through, another was operating in the background excellently. Chelsea fans had a ray of hope courtesy of the young Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos. His accurate and insistent passing was the surprise star.
Gusto’s Rough Night
Young Malo Gusto is learning his trade. Against Bayern, though, he was caught out. He gave the ball away under pressure. His positioning was not always astute. One glaring error led to Bayern’s third goal. It served as a reminder that at this level, one needs to be composed and focused.
His adversaries were quick to point at his illnesses. Some even protested for Reece James to get more playing time. But James himself is recovering from injuries and can’t play minute for minute. That leaves Chelsea looking elsewhere.
Santos Steps Up
While Gusto struggled in the evening, Andrey Santos proved his class. Introduced into the proceedings in the second half, he played with composure well beyond his years. His temperament was exemplary, particularly in a title-deciding Champions League match.
Santos completed 25 of 26 passes. That’s 96% accuracy. Chelsea was having difficulty maintaining the ball in this game, and he brought calm and possession management to the table. His ability to cut through problems and play on was exactly what the team needed.
Why Passing Matters for Chelsea
Strong or quick does not cut it anymore in today’s football. It is ball control that matters. Possession teams create chances and reduce the risk. Santos showed that he can be of use to Chelsea with that. His passing gave Chelsea midfield organization.
Whereas Gusto was rushed, Santos was calm. That is a huge difference against a team like Bayern.
The Midfield Question for Chelsea
Chelsea’s midfield this season has been making headlines. Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo have the responsibility on their shoulders to deliver. But they need a little assistant. Santos can fit the bill.
Already at the age of 20, he is certain to have more minutes. His vision, passing skill, and calmness can bring balance to the team. More playing time for him may take some pressure off the veteran midfielders.
Why It’s Not About Reece James
The majority of the fans are positive that Chelsea’s answer is Reece James. He is the quality player, veteran, and captain. Injuries make it impossible to rely on him week in and week out. Chelsea needs people who can replace him when James is not available.
This is why Santos ought to be the central figure. His role is not right back, but midfield. By consolidating midfield, Chelsea is able to defend defense better and support the attack. Simply put, addressing the Gusto problem could actually start with Santos, rather than James.
The Case for Santos Starting
This is why Santos needs more starts:
- Pass accuracy: 96% against Bayern shows consistency.
- Calm in a crisis: He didn’t lose his cool even when facing up to one of the best players on the continent.
- Link-up play: He helped to marry defense and attack together.
- Youth and energy: At 20, he has pace and promise in abundance.
- Chelsea cannot afford to turn its noses up at those qualities.
The Bigger Picture
Chelsea has wasted transfer funds for decades. Sometimes the answer is within the team. Santos is the type of player who will cost the club millions. All he requires is some confidence and minutes.
If given a sequence of games, he might easily become a steady first-team player. His ball-holding and passing rhythm are exactly what Chelsea are missing.
Author’s Opinion
I believe Malo Gusto will learn from this horror show. He is a youngster, and there is scope for him to improve. Chelsea, however, cannot afford to wait for him to become consistent. They need answers now.
Andrey Santos has demonstrated that he is the man. His vision, passing, and calmness are just too good to be overlooked. Although Reece James fans will still clamor, in my opinion, the rightful spotlight must be on Santos. He could be Chelsea’s midfield solidity answer.
The Bayern game sealed it for me: Santos must begin. Not because James is missing, but because Santos deserves it.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
