Chelsea fans got their wish in their third group stage game of the Club World Cup when Andrey Santos was brought on for his competitive debut for the club.
The Brazil international came on for the final quarter of their 3-0 win over ES Tunis, even picking up an assist for Tyrique George’s late goal.
Santos had been forced to watch from the bench for the opening two group games of the competition, leaving Chelsea fans frustrated and worried that they were set to not give him a chance to succeed at Stamford Bridge.
However, Enzo Maresca warned Santos was not up to speed with his new side after such a small amount of training sessions spent with the first team.
Enzo Maresca looks on ahead of Esperance de Tunis v Chelsea FC: Group D - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca thinks Andrey Santos needs more time before he can become a Chelsea starter
With Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr also making appearances in the Club World Cup already, it is clear the manager is not afraid to hand his new players opportunities to make their mark.
But, according to Mail Plus, Maresca believes Santos needs to spend more time working with the first team squad before he has the chance to become a starter at Stamford Bridge.
It is certainly a step in the right direction that Chelsea are not looking to send the midfielder on loan for a third consecutive season, and there is plenty of excitement at the club about him.
Todd Boehly personally praised Santos ahead of his debut, however it looks as if he will have to earn his stripes for Maresca to share that optimism.
Andrey Santos warms up during Chelsea FC v Los Angeles Football Club: Group D - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
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Santos not prepared to wait around at Chelsea
After starring at Strasbourg, it has become clear that the Brazil international is ready to play regular first team football at a top club.
Reports have claimed that Santos will not sit quietly on the bench, and is demanding opportunities in his first campaign at Chelsea.
The stacked season that gets underway in just over a month’s time is going to test the first team squad, and there is no doubt he will be needed for depth in the middle of the park.
However, the likes of Bayern Munich and Arsenal are monitoring his situation, and the Blues can’t afford to let a talent like Santos go to waste.