Chelsea fans, grab your popcorn! And honestly, it’s about time if the Blues were to integrate Andrey Santos into their first team next term. The Brazilian joined Chelsea in January 2023; since then he has gone on a footballing world tour so far, either at Vasco da Gama, Nottingham Forest, or most recently to Strasbourg. But after proving himself in France, the Stamford Bridge doors do nicely seem to be opening for him.
The big question of the night: Will Santos really follow up on her hype? But Maresca’s tactical vision and his performances are the answer, my friends.
Santos’ Journey: A Tale of Patience and Progress
Santos’ football career would be enough for at least three seasons on a Netflix series. He’s been very highly rated but has not yet made his Chelsea first team debut. In fact, he has been loaned out time and time again, just like a prized, pricey piece of literature that nobody could find the time to read.
At Strasbourg, Santos has reversed that script. And the 20-year-old has only eight goals and two assists from such a small number of matches. That’s not a bad way to put it; that’s not bad numbers for a midfielder; that’s the kind of numbers that are shaking to scream ‘Play me now’.
The owners of Chelsea, BlueCo, who also control Strasbourg, have been following his progress very closely. Fabrizio Romano claimed the club is happy with his development, and it is happy as well. They’re in such a way that they are ready to finally grant him the Chelsea blue for real.
How Santos Fits into Maresca’s Plans
But much to the delight of the tactical nerds, this one is… For Enzo Maresca, the name of the game is 3-2-5 formation, a set-up which gives midfielders the ball and full backs tucked in. This is the exact role Santos thrives in, conveniently.
Last year he explained: ‘You take control of the game from the front as a defensive midfielder.’ I feel very comfortable, adapted to playing as the first defensive midfielder between the full backs. I like dictating pace of the game, not being dictated to by the other team.”
Translation? It’s not just a midfielder; it’s a midfield conductor, orchestrating attacks while keeping his defensive side intact. And if all goes to plan, Chelsea might just have filed the one paper over which Antonio Conte runs his entire lineup.
Why Chelsea Fans Should Be Excited About Santos
This has been no Crystal Palace paint factory, and Chelsea’s midfield has not been the smoothest ride. Blues have been searching for sometime without finding a permanent holding midfielder who is capable of shoring up and guiding the passing play. Enter Santos.
He’s young, he’s lively, and unlike some of Chelsea’s recent shopping, he actually plays in a tactical system. Maresca could give him the right platform for us to be looking at the next big midfield star in the Premier League.
And he is Brazilian, oh and, I mean, especially for the amount of volleyball he has played in his career, he’s in really, really good shape. Their business of getting best flair players from Brazil (Oscar, Willian, Ramires) does conjure up memories of similar. And if history repeats itself, there will be a new Stamford Bridge fan favorite.
My Take on Andrey’s Chelsea Future
Personally, I believe that Chelsea’s handling of Santos has been masterclass in patience (something the club is notorious for lack of). Santos has never been rushed into the first team like previous Wonderkids or discarded too early. Now with a healthy season under his belt at Strasbourg, he is in just the right position to succeed.
But it is crowded in Chelsea’s midfield. Therefore, a place amongst Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo will be a battle. However, if he could get up to the task, then he might yet be Chelsea’s next big success story.
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