Chelsea’s wonderkid, Andrey Santos, has opened up about his most preferred position on the pitch, and the player he would love to partner with in the midfield.

The West London club wanted the 18-year-old Brazilian to join the first team, after his tremendous display for Brazil U-20.

However, his work permit was rejected, and the Premier League side decided to loan him back to Vasco da Gama.

Santos will return to Stamford Bridge in July, and he’s expected to take part in the full preseason with Graham Potter’s troops.

Of course, the 18-year-old was signed from Vasco da Gama, during the 2023 January transfer window.

Because he’s going to be part of the first team in the 2023-2024 season, he has named Chelsea’s players he would love to play with.

Andrey single-handedly helped Brazil win the U-20 CONMEBOL, showcasing his potential and abilities.

Andrey Santos stats for Brazil in U-20 CONMEBOL

Winner
Top scorer
Player of the Tournament
Best player in the final
8 games
6 goals
0.8 goals
2.8 shots
1.4 shots on target
0.8 key passes
79% pass accuracy
0.9 interceptions
3.4 tackles
1.3 clearances

As a result, Santos has been called up to the Brazil senior team at the age of 18. He’s expected to start against Morocco in their international friendly on Saturday.

It’s fair to see why the likes of Newcastle, Barcelona, and others are hell-bent on getting his signature.

Because Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali signed him in January. He’s really a player with a high ceiling.

What position does Andrey Santos play? 

The 18-year-old speaks about his most preferred position on the pitch, he’s more like an all-around midfielder.

There are reasons why Chelsea wanted to bring him to the first team after the U-20 competition, but his work permit was rejected.

Despite his age, he can comfortably handle the midfield alongside Enzo Fernández, as evidenced by his statistics for Brazil U-20.

Even though the Blues have many midfielders in the squad. Graham Potter is expected to give him a chance next season.

Santos on favourite position: 

“I have been playing as first and second defensive midfielder. At first there is a difference, I am a little further away from the goal. But secondly, I’m happy to be closer to the goal, as I like to score goals. I feel free to play in both.”

It’s been argued many times among the fans that Santos isn’t a defensive midfielder. However, he has now cleared the air, making him a big asset for the Blues.

Therefore, Andrey doesn’t really have anything in common with the likes of N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, and Mateo Kovacic.

He’s more like a combination of a defensive and central midfielder. Without scoring goals, he can learn a lot from Kante.

Andrey’s father speaks about his son’s idol in the Brazil national team:

“He targets Casemiro a lot, it’s part of his position. Possibly they can play together for a few minutes there.”

Brazil takes on Morocco in their international friendly on Saturday. Apparently, we may see a Santos and Casemiro combo in the midfield.

The Manchester United star player is indeed a flawless and standard defensive midfielder, shaking up the Premier League for the Red Devils.

Casemiro has literally changed the team’s performance since his arrival last summer. Of course, Andrey will learn many things from him.

Santos seems like an all-around midfielder, he can handle any position thrown at him in the midfield, both defensive and offensive.

Which Chelsea player does Andrey Santos would love to play with?

Since the 18-year-old Brazilian will be part of Graham Potter’s men next season, as he will be back at Stamford Bridge in January.

His called up for Brazil senior national team is expected to boost his chance to get his working permit at the end of the season.

It’s actually difficult for Santos to choose the player he would want to partner with at the West London club.

Because there are many young, brilliant and talented players at Stamford Bridge. They are going to be on fire next campaign.

Santos on Chelsea players he would love to play with:

“Difficult to name one, but I really like Thiago Silva, who is a reference, Enzo Fernández too, who is a great player. I hope to play alongside him.”

Obviously, Andrey would like to play beside Enzo Fernández, which will definitely happen at Chelsea next campaign.

Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are doing a tremendous job at the club, building for their future with young players.

Even though N’Golo Kante is close to extending his contract with Chelsea, Santos will definitely get his chance to play alongside Fernández.

They are both young and technical players, and their combination can tear down any team in Europe’s top-5 leagues.

In all fairness, the Premier League aren’t ready for what’s coming from Chelsea’s squad next campaign.

Be it Graham Potter or a new manager, the West London club are most likely to start flying at the beginning of the 2023-2024 season.