Chelsea think their 19-year-old player is ‘something special’, he’s trained this week under Pochettino – journalist

Add as preferred source on Google

Chelsea believe that Andrey Santos is a very exciting youngster on their books right now.

That is according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

Andrey Santos, who signed for Chelsea back in January, is a highly-rated youngster from Brazil.

The 19-year-old talent spent the second half of last season on loan with Brazilian club Vasco da Gama, but we’re now finally seeing him in England after he secured his work permit.

Santos was pictured on Tuesday in training with Chelsea’s first-team squad (official website). In fact, Mauricio Pochettino was taking charge yesterday of his first session as the new head coach at Stamford Bridge.

Journalist Bailey has told the ‘Talking Transfers’ podcast that Chelsea believe Santos could be “something special”.

Bailey said: “Andrey Santos, I’m fascinated by this guy. I think he is going to be something special. They think there is something special there as well.”

It’s now a big opportunity for Santos to try grab Pochettino’s eye during this pre-season schedule.

The teenager’s already made his senior debut for Brazil, which does suggest he’s operating at a very high level.

How will he stand up during his first taste of European football, though?

Santos is a box-to-box midfielder with quality on the ball and an eye for a goal.

His arrival for pre-season may be timed to perfection because Chelsea do look short of numbers in the central midfield position right now, so why can’t he youngster force his way into contention this summer?

We can spot Santos is one of several exciting youngsters included in Pochettino’s first training session this week. Hopefully, some of them impress and get closer to the first team.

In fairness, journalist Matt Law has recently told the ‘London is Blue’ podcast that Santos is considered a genuine option for the senior squad next season.