MX23RW : Thursday, December 12 14:46:19| >> :60:424:424:

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca comments on Andrey Santos, option for next season?

Maresca comments on Santos Strasbourg impact, option for next season?
© Imago
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca suggests that he has been left impressed by the impact of Andrey Santos at Strasbourg.

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has suggested that Andrey Santos could feature in his first-team squad for next season.

The Brazil international has been contracted to the Blues for almost two years without making a single competitive appearance.

His Chelsea debut looked unrealistic on the back of failing to make a single Premier League start during a disastrous loan stint with Nottingham Forest during the first half of 2023-24.

However, two spells on loan at Strasbourg - also owned by BlueCo - have transformed the 20-year-old's hopes of eventually becoming a household name at Stamford Bridge.

Santos is part of a Chelsea contingent that also includes goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic and full-back Caleb Wiley that have contributed to Strasbourg sitting in ninth place in the Ligue 1 standings with 13 points from nine games.

Nevertheless, it is the performances of Santos that have really caught the eye with five goals coming from his eight appearances in the engine room.

Furthermore, Santos has also won the most duels in Ligue 1 this season, strengthening the feeling that he could become an asset in Maresca's squad in the future.

Strasbourg striker Andrey Santos pictured on September 21, 2024© Imago

What did Maresca say?

Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Maresca admitted the former Vasco Da Gama youngster is well on his way to earning a chance in the Premier League.

The Italian said: "Andrey Santos is just showing what we have said many times that, probably for some players, it is better that they go and prove themselves, and they can come back.

"That is what Andrey Santos is doing. It is too early, but if he continues in the way that he is playing, he could be an option for us."

Since the middle of February, Santos has contributed six goals and one assist in 19 outings for Strasbourg, as well as winning a Ligue 1 Young Player of the Month award.

Chelsea s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall during the UEFA Europa Conference League play-off round, first leg match at Stamford Bridge on August 22, 2024© Imago

Which Chelsea player may drop out?

If Santos was integrated into Maresca's squad, it would inevitably result in one of the current crop being sold or loaned elsewhere.

Despite being more of a playmaker than Santos, Carney Chukwuemeka would be the obvious option having only made two substitute outings this season.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also finds himself down the pecking order, yet his versatility and familiarity playing under Maresca may keep him at the club in the long term.

ID:557083:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4642:
Written by
Darren Plant

Click here for more stories about Andrey Santos

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Strasbourg striker Andrey Santos pictured on September 21, 2024
Read Next:
How have Chelsea's 20 loan players performed so far this season?
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!