Ramires is convinced 21-year-old Chelsea youngster is about to become a ‘key’ player at Stamford Bridge

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Chelsea have maintained the mantra of building a team of exceptionally talented young players, and cult hero Ramires believes one of them is about to become a key player this season.

Enzo Maresca has actually seen his side get even younger in the 2025/26 campaign following the introduction of Estevao Willian as a regular in the first team.

The teenager has already made a great impact in his first two starts for Chelsea, and Estevao’s teammates have been left stunned at his talents already.

While the Brazil international is the highlight addition up to now, there are plenty of other new faces who are already making a case to Maresca that they should be considered for a regular place in the side.

Ramires thinks Andrey Santos is about to become a key player for Chelsea

Another of those is Andrey Santos, who is waiting patiently to make his first start of the new season after being thrown into a Club World Cup game at the last moment following an injury to Reece James.

Currently away with the Brazil national team, Santos will be looking forward to a return to Chelsea, and former Blues midfielder Ramires believes he is set to become a key part of the Blues squad.

He told Simon Phillips’ Substack: “Andrey Santos is a talented midfielder with great potential. I’ve seen his ability to control the game and contribute both defensively and offensively. It’s important for him to keep developing his skills and adapting to the demands of the Premier League.

“If he continues to work hard and learn from experienced players, I believe he can become a key asset for Chelsea.”

Chelsea very convinced by Santos

Despite him spending two seasons away from Stamford Bridge on loan, it is clear that Chelsea have big plans for Santos.

The Blues rejected a late Saudi Arabian bid for Santos in the summer transfer window, resisting the temptation to cash in and make instant profit on the youngster.

The 21-year-old could be about to start for the first time in the coming games as the Champions League and EFL Cup return, with games coming thick and fast.

Santos would likely start in favour of Enzo Fernandez, who is off to a great beginning to the season in his own right, with two goals in his last two games.