Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos feels that after multiple loan spells and the consequent growth, he is now able to make a lasting impact. The 21-year-old Brazilian, who moved to the Blues in January 2023, considered his growth “a process” which eventually made him ready for the Premier League.
Journey Through Loans and Growth
After Santos signed with the club, he was promptly loaned out to Vasco da Gama and then went back to England for a brief spell at Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg. Due to his limited playing time in England, Chelsea made a decision to cut short his return and bring him back. However, his time in France, under their ownership group, was really good for him. Santos made his debut for Chelsea which was delayed due to the Club World Cup and has since played 11 games with Enzo Maresca, in which he scored an assist in the Champions League and a goal in the Carabao Cup against Wolves.
Thinking over his development, Santos told, “At Forest, I was barely 18 or 19 years old—so immature. And now I think I am more than ready to play the Premier League. It was my process.”
Mindset and Message to Young Players
Santos mentioned that his mindset and patience were the reasons he could meet the Chelsea’s level of demand. He also advised the young players to never lose the fighting spirit. “You have to keep fighting because it is our journey. Never give up, always keep the fight going,” he said.
Author’s View
Santos’s development is a reflection of Chelsea’s long-term player development plan, which takes into account the gaining of experience and maturity rather than instant success. His bounce back from and confidence in the future show that he is ready to fight for a regular spot in the midfield. The Brazilian could become very instrumental in Maresca’s Chelsea side which is changing if his progression doesn’t stop.
