Andrey Santos has spoken on how the competition for places in midfield at Chelsea is helping him mature as a player.
Santos joined Chelsea back in January 2023 from Brazilian club Vasco da Gama in a deal thought to worth around £13m.
The 21-year-old has had to be patient, and after a failed loan spell at Nottingham Forest, he spent 18 months on loan at sister club Strasbourg in France.
Andrey Santos on competition at Chelsea
Santos impressed in Ligue 1 last season and scored ten goals as Strasbourg secured qualification for the Conference League.
The Brazil international made his long awaited Chelsea debut at the Club World Cup and is now part of the first team set-up.
Santos scored his first goal against Wolves in the Carabao Cup, and despite the fierce competition has made 13 appearances in all competitions so far.
The Brazilian is competing with Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, two of the best midfielders in the league, but Santos has admitted he’s learning so much from the pair.
“I think it helps a lot because when the squad is strong it ends up pulling everyone up,” he told Hayters TV.
“Of course, my competition is tough, Enzo and Moi are among the best in the league.
“I believe the learning I am getting from them is essential. Let’s say this exchange I am having with them is helping me mature a lot.”
https://twitter.com/HaytersTV/status/1988584232336122075
Enzo Fernandez withdraws from international duty
Whilst Santos is on international duty, Fernandez has withdrawn from the Argentina squad due to pain in his knee.
Fernandez made the announcement after the win against Wolves and Maresca has stated on several occasions this season the Argentine has been playing through the pain barrier.
The World Cup winner will have two weeks off at Chelsea’s Cobham training base, and it’s vital he’s fit for the upcoming big games against Barcelona and Arsenal at the end of the month.
