Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg are not having an easy season. They’re battling hard in Ligue 1, but a good start has faded, and manager Liam Rosenior – who only arrived in the summer – is under big pressure now.
What they needed was a soft fixture in the cup to help them out – and they got just that today against Racing Club de Calais. The Alsatians won 3-0, and the first of their goals was scored by Chelsea loanee Andrey Santos.
More Stories about Andrey Santos
The Chelsea logo with a flag.
Andrey Santos in pre-season training for Chelsea.
He’s been a real bright spot for the French side all season, scoring consistently from midfield as well as providing a solid anchor in midfield. Despite his young age, and despite being on loan he’s captained the team on several occasions already, and after the game today Rosenior was full of praise for the youngster.
“Andrey is a great example of professionalism and a great example in the locker room,” the manager said.
“We know he will be able to lead the team and that’s what he did today by opening the scoring.”
Santos surely seals his place in Chelsea’s future plans
Andrey Santos celebrates a cup goal. (Photo by Francois Nascimbeni/AFP via Getty Images)
Andrey Santos celebrates a cup goal. (Photo by Francois Nascimbeni/AFP via Getty Images)
Incredibly, that takes Santos to 7 goals for the season. The 20 year old was expected to stay at Chelsea this season – and now he’s doing so well on loan that that must be guaranteed next season at this point.
He’s not even an attacking midfielder – he’s big and physical and gets around the pitch. He racks up a lot of tackles and interceptions as well as getting in the box. He’s the perfect profile to fill a gap in this squad.
Players like Cesare Casadei and Carney Chukwuemeka are expected to leave the club either in January or next summer, so a space is certainly opening up for Santos to be a regular contributor in the future.