Liam Rosenior’s quietly excellent start to life at Chelsea is continuing following the 3-2 win against Napoli in their final Champions League group stage game.
Joao Pedro’s sensational performance and two goals helped complete the turnaround victory, with Cole Palmer coming off the bench at the break to assist both.
Rosenior’s starting side did raise a number of eyebrows. As well as no Palmer in the side, the Blues named just one recognised centre-back in the starting side in Naples.
Newcastle, PSG, Qarabag or Monaco – who are YOU picking? 👀
Chelsea's possible last 16 opponents…
The midfield saw Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo start as ever, however it was interesting to see Andrey Santos named alongside them in there.
Liam Rosenior is building his Chelsea side around Andrey Santos
The Brazilian was one of the best set when Rosenior was hired by Chelsea, given the fact that the pair have previously worked together at Strasbourg.
The youngster was even handed the captain’s armband on occasion for the Ligue 1 side, despite the fact he was only on loan.
Since Rosenior’s hiring, Santos has started four times out of six, and only not featured in the Champions League game against Paphos where the Blues were heavy favourites.
These opportunities did not come so frequently under Enzo Maresca. The majority of his starts before the new boss came in were in the EFL Cup, where squad rotation is heavy.
Plenty was promised of Santos before he arrived at Stamford Bridge, however now he has a manager willing to give him the opportunities the sky really is the limit.
Worrying times for Romeo Lavia
Romeo Lavia’s injury struggles have followed him into the 2025/26 season, and he is yet to play a minute under Rosenior.
What are you honest thoughts on Chelsea’s squad?
Nuno Espirito Santo clearly rates it 👌
Despite Lavia being back in first team training, the new boss will be keen to not push him back into action too early.
However, in this time Santos looks set for plenty more opportunities in the Chelsea squad, time could be running out for the Belgian to make his mark at Stamford Bridge.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
