Andrey Santos has revealed his preferred position as Chelsea strategizes his role for the future. With the club planning for the next season, it appears that Santos is being lined up for an important place under newly appointed head coach Enzo Maresca.
The Brazilian midfielder initially joined Chelsea in January 2023 but has yet to make his first-team debut. Since signing, he has gained experience through multiple loan spells. First, he returned to his former club Vasco da Gama before moving to Nottingham Forest. Then, in February 2024, Chelsea arranged another loan for him, sending him to Strasbourg to continue his development.
Last summer, Chelsea extended Santos’ stay at Strasbourg, a club also owned by BlueCo, the same ownership group that controls Chelsea. This decision allowed him to gain more game time and refine his skills. His performances in France have been impressive, as he has contributed significantly to Strasbourg’s campaign. Across all competitions, the 20-year-old has recorded eight goals and two assists in 20 appearances, showcasing his ability to impact games both defensively and offensively.
Santos has previously discussed the role he prefers to play on the field, shedding light on where he envisions himself fitting within Maresca’s tactical system. During Chelsea’s pre-season tour last summer, he spoke about his comfort in playing as a defensive midfielder, a position where he believes he can dictate the game’s tempo and contribute effectively.
In an interview with Premier League Brazil, Santos explained how Maresca’s tactical setup aligns with his strengths. “Maresca uses a 3-2-5 formation, if I’m not mistaken, with the full-back positioned inside,” he noted. He went on to mention that he had played in a similar system before, under coach Paulo Victor Gomes, when he was part of Brazil’s U-15 and U-17 squads.
Describing his role, Santos emphasized the importance of the defensive midfielder in controlling the game from the front. “As a defensive midfielder, you take charge of the game,” he said. “I feel comfortable and well-adapted to playing as the first defensive midfielder alongside the full-back. I really enjoy dictating the tempo of the match.”
With Maresca now at the helm, Chelsea’s tactical approach may suit Santos’ skill set perfectly. His ability to read the game, control possession, and contribute defensively could make him a valuable asset for the team in the upcoming season. If he continues his strong form at Strasbourg, he could return to Chelsea ready to compete for a place in the squad, adding another dimension to Maresca’s midfield options.
