BREAKING: Chelsea fans, you won’t believe this! Andrey Santos has ALREADY told Enzo Maresca his BEST position as the Blues’ next big transfer is CONFIRMED!

Chelsea’s midfield setup is set for a shake-up, and Andrey Santos is right at the heart of it. The young Brazilian has already made it clear where he sees himself fitting into Enzo Maresca’s system, and with his impressive performances on loan, Stamford Bridge could be witnessing the emergence of their next midfield general.

Santos joined Chelsea in January 2023, arriving with high expectations after making a name for himself in Brazil. However, he has yet to make his debut for the Blues’ senior team, having been sent on multiple loan spells to gain experience. His journey has taken him from Vasco da Gama to Nottingham Forest, and most recently, Strasbourg, where he has truly started to showcase his potential.

At just 20 years old, Santos has already proven his capabilities in Ligue 1. With eight goals and two assists in 20 appearances for Strasbourg this season, the midfielder has demonstrated that he can be more than just a deep-lying playmaker. His attacking contributions have made him an indispensable asset for the French side, and Chelsea fans are starting to take notice.

Strasbourg, part of the BlueCo ownership group that also owns Chelsea, has provided Santos with the perfect platform to refine his skills. The experience of playing regular first-team football in a competitive European league has only strengthened his case for a role at Stamford Bridge next season.

Despite his versatility, Santos has remained firm about his preferred position. Speaking to Premier League Brazil, he revealed his tactical understanding and where he feels most comfortable on the pitch. “Maresca uses a 3-2-5 formation, if I’m not mistaken, with the full-back positioned inside. I played in a similar setup under coach Paulo Victor (Gomes) with Brazil’s U-15 and U-17 teams,” he explained.

The young midfielder highlighted his ability to dictate play from deep, stating, “As a defensive midfielder, you take control of the game from the front. I feel comfortable and well-adapted to playing as the first defensive midfielder alongside the full-back. I really enjoy dictating the tempo of the match.”

His words indicate a strong understanding of positional play and tactical discipline—qualities that will be crucial if he is to thrive under Maresca’s system. The Italian coach, known for his intricate tactical setups and emphasis on ball control, will likely see Santos as an asset in Chelsea’s midfield rebuild.

The Blues have struggled with balance in midfield over the past few seasons, often relying on makeshift solutions. With Santos returning, Maresca may finally have a player who can seamlessly fit into his possession-based philosophy while also contributing defensively.

Santos’ development at Strasbourg has not gone unnoticed, with Chelsea’s coaching staff monitoring his progress closely. His impressive performances have only fueled speculation about his future, and with Chelsea looking to reinforce their midfield, a return to Stamford Bridge seems inevitable.

While Chelsea boasts several midfield options, including Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, and Romeo Lavia, Santos offers a different profile. His ability to break lines with his passing, combined with his defensive awareness, makes him a well-rounded option for the deep-lying midfield role.

However, competition for places will be fierce. With Fernández and Caicedo occupying key midfield roles, Santos will need to prove he can adapt to the Premier League’s intensity. His time in Ligue 1 has prepared him for the physicality of European football, but the Premier League presents an entirely different challenge.

One major advantage Santos has is his age. At 20, he has plenty of room for growth, and Chelsea’s long-term project under Maresca aligns perfectly with his development curve. The club’s recent history of investing in young talent suggests they will give him a fair chance to establish himself.

Chelsea’s midfield revamp has been a work in progress, and Santos could be the missing piece that adds stability and structure. His vision, composure on the ball, and ability to read the game could see him emerge as a key figure in the club’s future plans.

For now, Santos remains focused on finishing the season strongly with Strasbourg. But with his return to Chelsea looming, all eyes will be on how Maresca integrates him into the squad. If he can replicate his Ligue 1 form in England, Chelsea fans might just witness the rise of their next midfield sensation.

One thing is certain: Andrey Santos knows exactly where he belongs, and he’s ready to prove it.