Andrey Santos paved the way for the wave of young talents to come from Strasbourg to Chelsea.
Chelsea are off to Azerbaijan for the latest round of Champions League action, and Santos has spoken to the press ahead of the Qarabag tie.
Santos was signed back in 2023, spending his first 18 months as a Blue on loan at Vasco da Gama and Nottingham Forest. Last season, he was sent to Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg, where he really found his feet.
Now back at Stamford Bridge, the Brazilian is ready to establish himself under Enzo Maresca. Chelsea have been clear that Santos is not for sale, seeing him as a valuable piece moving forward.
Santos was asked about his time at the French side, how important the relationship is for both clubs, and who he thinks will be next to flourish at Chelsea.
Andrey Santos singles out Mike Penders when discussing Strasbourg talent
They never played together at Strasbourg, but Santos has seen and heard enough to know that Mike Penders is the next big thing.
The Belgian goalkeeper — who has drawn comparisons to Courtois — was signed from Genk earlier this year. His arrival threatened to unseat Robert Sanchez, but the Blues decided a loan to their sister club would be better for the 20-year-old’s development.
Chelsea believe Penders will be world class, and he will return sooner rather than later. Santos thinks Penders — along with two other incomings from Strasbourg — will be a valuable addition.
In his pre-Qarabag press conference, Santos was asked about the Chelsea / Strasbourg relationship, and whether it’s a good step for young players to take
He responded: “Yeah, of course. So, I’m so happy to be the first one. But in this season, we have a lot of player quality in Strasbourg.
“So like Mamadou Sarr, Mike Penders and [Emanuel] Emegha now, I think it is so important for us. For both clubs.”
A success story of the Strasbourg relationship, Santos thinks Penders will really benefit from this season, saying: “I think it’s important this relationship with Chelsea and to be confident when we arrive here.”
Andrey Santos on his best position for Chelsea
The next question posed to the 21-year-old was regarding his best position at Chelsea.
Santos has played in almost every role in the Chelsea midfield this season, offering great cover for Maresca.
But where does the Brazilian most enjoy being deployed?
Santos gives a politician’s answer, saying: “This is a hard question because when I was in Strasbourg, I always played like a six, but here in the Premier League it’s a little bit different. But I can play in both positions, six or eight.
I think the most important is to help Chelsea and help the coach my teammates too. So if the coach asks me to play like a six, I will do my best and if he wants me to play like an eight, I will do my best too.”
A manager’s dream.
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