There was a bit of worry before Chelsea’s third group stage game at the Club World Cup that despite plenty of changes, Andrey Santos was on the bench again.
The Blues rested Moises Caicedo for the fixture against ES Tunis, with Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia starting in midfield and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall working off the right wing.
Despite early frustration, Chelsea eventually comfortably came through with a 3-0 win against their Tunisian opposition. Goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Liam Delap and Tyrique George booked their place in the Round of 16.
There was a debut for Santos in the second half, coming on in the 67th minute as the Blues pushed for a third goal.
Andrey Santos vs ES Tunis Total
Minutes 22
Assists 1
Chances created 1
Duels won 2/4
Completed passes 16/17
Andrey Santos issues instructions during Esperance de Tunis v Chelsea FC: Group D - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca gives Andrey Santos warning after Chelsea Club World Cup debut
Enzo Maresca is under pressure to keep the very promising youngster happy. It has already been stated that Santos won’t sit quietly if he isn’t getting minutes.
After handing him his debut, the manager was asked about the Brazilian, and stated he believes he still has a lot to learn when it comes to making the step up from Strasbourg to Chelsea.
He told Ben Jacobs: “He’s working well, but he needs to understand how we play. It’s the same for all of the new ones. It’s important for them to continue in the way they are working to get opportunities.”
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca during Esperance de Tunis v Chelsea FC: Group D - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
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European giants circling around Santos
With it no secret that the Brazil international wants to be playing regular first team football next season, a number of clubs are certainly keeping an eye on how the situation plays out.
Bayern Munich are interested in Santos. The Blues have fortunately avoided a tie with the Bundesliga giants in the Club World Cup after both sides failed to top their group.
Arsenal and Barcelona have also been credited with interest in the player in the past, and Chelsea will need to be careful they don’t leave it too long with their bright young prospect.
With that said, the presence of Caicedo, Fernandez, Lavia and now Dario Essugo leaves all the midfielders at the club having a fight on their hands for next season.