“I want him at Chelsea next season” “His work rate are high” – Enzo Maresca reveals why he wants Brazilian midfielder at Stamford Bridge
Andrey Santos made an impression while on loan at Strasbourg last season, and Chelsea won’t allow him to leave the team this summer.
Several Champions League teams have expressed interest in signing the Brazilian midfield player, but Strasbourg wanted to take him back on loan for the full 2024–25 season.
The following five factors support Enzo Maresca’s desire for Santos to be a part of Chelsea’s squad for the upcoming season:
1) Versatility in Midfield Roles
Andrey Santos has demonstrated his capability to adapt to multiple roles in midfield, which is a significant asset for any manager.
At Strasbourg, he showed he could effectively operate as a holding midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation, providing essential cover for the defense while also contributing to the team’s build-up play. His ability to play both as a No. 6 and a No. 8 gives Maresca flexibility in his tactical setups.
In a squad that faces the rigors of competing on multiple fronts, such versatility ensures that Santos can fill in various positions as needed, reducing the burden on other midfielders like Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
2) Ball Retention and Composure
Santos’ ball retention skills are exceptional for his age. His composure under pressure allows him to maintain possession and dictate the tempo of the game, a crucial quality for a team that aspires to control matches through possession-based football.
Maresca, known for his preference for a possession-oriented style, will value Santos’ ability to keep the ball and make smart, accurate passes. This skill set not only helps in maintaining control during games but also aids in transitioning from defense to attack seamlessly.
3) Defensive Contributions and Work Rate
One of the standout aspects of Santos’ performances at Strasbourg was his defensive work rate. He consistently covered significant ground, averaging 12.07 km per game and recovering possession 8.5 times per match. This level of effort and effectiveness in regaining possession is invaluable for a team like Chelsea, which aims to press high and dominate opponents.
Santos’ ability to break up play and recover the ball quickly aligns with Maresca’s tactical philosophy of pressing and winning the ball high up the pitch, providing a solid foundation for launching attacks.
4) Youth and Potential for Development
At just 20 years old, Andrey Santos represents a significant investment in the future. His performances at Strasbourg highlighted his maturity and readiness for top-level football, but he still has plenty of room for growth.
Maresca, who has a reputation for developing young talents, will see Santos as a long-term project who can be molded into a key player for Chelsea. By keeping him at the club, Maresca can ensure that Santos is integrated into the team’s system and culture, benefiting from the mentorship of seasoned professionals like Fernandez and Caicedo while continuing his development under close supervision.
5) Squad Rotation and Depth
Chelsea’s upcoming season is set to be highly demanding, with the team competing in the Premier League, the Conference League, domestic cups, and the Club World Cup. This heavy schedule necessitates effective squad rotation to manage player fatigue and reduce the risk of injuries.
Having a player like Santos, who can reliably step in and perform at a high level, is crucial for maintaining consistency throughout the season. His presence provides Maresca with the depth needed to rotate key players without significantly weakening the team, ensuring that Chelsea can compete on all fronts.
In summary, Andrey Santos’ versatility, ball retention skills, defensive contributions, youth potential, and the need for squad depth are compelling reasons for Enzo Maresca to retain the young Brazilian midfielder at Chelsea. These attributes not only align with Maresca’s tactical vision but also provide practical solutions for the challenges Chelsea will face in the upcoming season. Keeping Santos in the squad represents both an investment in the present and a strategic move for the future.a