Chelsea loanee Andrey Santos appears to be having the time of his life at Strasbourg.
Andrey Santos, who’s still only 20, left Chelsea last summer on a season-long loan to join sister club Strasbourg, where he spent the second half of the previous campaign as well.
It tells you everything about the size of the Brazilian youngster’s impact that he sometimes wears the captain’s armband.
On Friday night, Strasbourg made it six victories out of seven in the French Ligue 1 by winning 4-2 at home to Lyon. As a result, they’re up to fifth in the league table as they hunt a shock Champions League qualification.
Chelsea’s plan with Santos is to make him a key player at Stamford Bridge next season. It’s no surprise because the box-to-box central midfielder has been immense and developed a lot during his time in France.
Appearances Goals Assists
27 10 3
Andrey Santos for Strasbourg across all competitions in the 2024/25 season
Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images
Yet again, Santos starred as Strasbourg earned another three points in the league. He scored a brilliant headed goal from a set-piece in the Lyon victory.
The Chelsea loanee received big praise for his individual performance on Friday, with claims that he was ‘essential’ in building the play.
Foot Mercato wrote: “Andrey Santos – 7/10. The Strasbourg captain thought he would have a bad game, especially during the first half. Suffocated by Lyon’s pressure, he wasn’t the one who allowed his teammates to easily get out of their half. While he didn’t shy away from the task of winning the ball back, he didn’t perform wonders when he had it between his feet: during the first half, he missed 25% of his passes.
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“Against all expectations, he opened the scoring with a header from a corner (55th). While his team was able to benefit from more space in the second half, he was able to play forward and was essential in building the play.”
Elsewhere, Get French Football News showered the on-loan Strasbourg midfielder with praise after his latest contribution.
They wrote: “Andrey Santos – 8/10. It’s another special midfield performance from the Brazilian. He broke the deadlock before the hour mark with a powerful header and shone through in the second half, winning duels and recovering balls left and right. Chelsea sure have a serious talent within their roster.”
With the addition of Santos to the squad, Chelsea’s midfield depth next season is beginning to look quite formidable.
The South American youngster is the complete package that should compliment the likes of Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia really nicely.
Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images
Julien Laurens amazed by Andrey Santos
Julien Laurens, who’s a pundit on ESPN, raved about the Chelsea-owned youngster on X after Strasbourg’s win over Lyon.
It’s been a weekly occurrence that Santos is the shining light in his team. Chelsea fans have every right to be excited about his future with them.
Minutes played Goals Accurate passes Successful dribbles Tackles won Interceptions Duels won Duels lost
90 1 28/32 (88%) 1/1 (100%) 2/3 (67%) 2 7 4
Andrey Santos performance vs Lyon via FOTMOB
As you can see above, Santos can do a bit of everything in the centre of the park. The fact that he’s already scored 10 goals across all competitions this season should intrigue Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca.
There’s a good reason why Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior predicts big things for Santos.