Andrey Santos has expressed his preferred position on the pitch, offering Chelsea insight into how he could fit into their plans for the future. As the club strategizes for the next season under newly appointed head coach Enzo Maresca, it seems Santos is being considered for a key role in the squad.
The Brazilian midfielder initially joined Chelsea in January 2023 but has yet to feature for the first team. Since signing, he has been loaned out multiple times to gain valuable experience. His first loan spell saw him return to his former club, Vasco da Gama, before moving to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. In February 2024, Chelsea arranged another loan for him, this time to Strasbourg, where he could further develop his game.
Last summer, Chelsea decided to extend Santos’ loan at Strasbourg, a club also owned by BlueCo, the same ownership group that controls Chelsea. This move allowed him to earn more game time and refine his skills in a competitive European league. His performances in France have been highly encouraging, as he has made a significant impact on Strasbourg’s campaign. In 20 appearances across all competitions, the 20-year-old has contributed eight goals and two assists, highlighting his ability to influence matches both defensively and offensively.
Santos has previously spoken about the position in which he feels most comfortable, shedding light on how he could fit into Maresca’s tactical system. During Chelsea’s pre-season tour last summer, he revealed his preference for playing as a defensive midfielder. He believes that this role allows him to dictate the game’s tempo and make meaningful contributions on both ends of the pitch.
In an interview with Premier League Brazil, Santos discussed how Maresca’s tactical setup aligns with his playing style. He pointed out that Maresca typically employs a 3-2-5 formation, where the full-back moves into an inverted position. Santos noted that he had previously played in a similar system under coach Paulo Victor Gomes during his time with Brazil’s U-15 and U-17 teams.
Elaborating on his preferred role, Santos highlighted the significance of the defensive midfielder in controlling the pace of the game. “As a defensive midfielder, you take charge of the game,” he explained. He also emphasized his comfort in playing as the first defensive midfielder alongside an inverted full-back, a position that allows him to influence the team’s buildup and maintain possession. “I really enjoy dictating the tempo of the match,” he added.
With Maresca now leading Chelsea, the team’s tactical approach could suit Santos’ strengths perfectly. His ability to read the game, control possession, and contribute defensively makes him a promising asset for the squad. If he continues his impressive form at Strasbourg, he could return to Chelsea ready to compete for a place in the first team, offering Maresca another valuable option in midfield.
