Andrey Santos: In-Depth Scout Report on Chelsea's Rising Talent

Andrey Santos: In-Depth Scout Report on Chelsea's Rising Talent

Introduction: Who is Andrey Santos?

Andrey Nascimento dos Santos, born on May 3, 2004, is a Brazilian midfielder currently showcasing his talent at RC Strasbourg on loan from Chelsea. Known for his versatility and technical ability, Santos has already made a significant mark despite his young age. His journey from Vasco da Gama to his current loan spell in Europe highlights a promising career trajectory. RC Strasbourg, a Ligue 1 club owned by the BlueCo consortium led by Chelsea’s owner Todd Boehly, has become the perfect stage for Santos to hone his skills. This strategic loan move offers Chelsea an opportunity to develop Santos in a competitive European environment.

Early Club Career: Rising Through Vasco da Gama

Santos began his journey with Vasco da Gama in Brazil. Initially introduced to futsal as a child, he transitioned to football and joined Vasco’s youth academy, where he was groomed as a midfielder. He made his professional debut for Vasco at just 16, in March 2021, and quickly became a crucial player for the club. During the 2022 season, he became Vasco’s youngest-ever goalscorer and played a pivotal role in the club's promotion to Série A, contributing eight goals in 33 appearances. His remarkable performances in Brazil caught the eye of Chelsea, who secured his transfer in January 2023 for a reported €20 million.

Chelsea and Loan Moves: Developing Through Experience

After his transfer, Santos briefly returned to Vasco on loan, where he gained experience in Brazil's top flight. Chelsea later loaned him to Nottingham Forest, where his playing time was limited, leading to a quick recall. In February 2024, he joined RC Strasbourg on loan in Ligue 1, extended for another season due to his impressive performances.

Style of Play: A Box-to-Box Dynamo

Andrey Santos is often described as a "box-to-box midfielder," capable of impacting the game both defensively and offensively. His well-rounded skill set includes ball progression, tackling, and goal-scoring capabilities. Santos possesses excellent technical skills and athleticism, making him effective in transition phases. His 2023 performances at the U20 World Championship, where he contributed with two goals and an assist in the knockout rounds, demonstrated his maturity and potential on the international stage.

Stats and Performance Metrics (2024/25 Season)

This season with RC Strasbourg, Santos has showcased his talent across various metrics. Here’s a breakdown of his performance:

• Duels: Santos has won an impressive 68% of his duels, including a 77% win rate in aerial challenges, showcasing his physicality and timing.

• Dribbling: His dribbling success rate stands at 89%, with 1.38 dribbles per game.

• Goal Threat: Averaging 0.36 xG per 90 minutes and 0.86 shots on target per game, he has already scored five goals this season, making him a potent offensive asset.

• Ball Recoveries: With 7 recoveries per game, Santos excels in regaining possession, highlighting his defensive work rate.

Detailed Analysis: Andrey Santos’ Strengths and Playing Style

Goal Threat and Finishing Ability

One of Santos’s standout attributes is his remarkable goal-scoring ability for a midfielder. His 100th percentile rating in goal threat highlights his knack for getting into scoring positions and converting chances effectively. With five goals from an xG of 2.91 across 14 shots, he has consistently outperformed his expected goals, displaying composure and clinical finishing. His versatility in front of goal is evident, as he has scored with both feet and a header, making him a multi-dimensional threat. This goal-scoring touch is particularly valuable to Chelsea, positioning Santos as an asset for their midfield with a level of offensive prowess not typically expected from his role.

Progressive Passing and Offensive Support

In terms of ball progression, Santos’s 70th percentile ranking for progressive passing among his Ligue 1 peers shows his ability to advance play. He is adept at breaking lines with both passes and carries, supporting his team’s transition from defense to attack seamlessly. This skill has enabled RC Strasbourg to maintain momentum in the attacking phases, and with Chelsea’s style emphasizing quick transitions, Santos’s experience in Ligue 1 is equipping him well for a similar role in the Premier League.

Ball Recovery and Retention

Santos’s high percentile ratings in both ball recovery and retention indicate his knack for reclaiming possession and maintaining it under pressure. His 94th percentile in ball recovery reflects his ability to disrupt opposition play, ensuring that his defensive contributions are as consistent as his offensive ones. These strengths, combined with his effectiveness in retaining possession, make him a balanced, box-to-box midfielder who can dominate both sides of the pitch.

Visual Analysis: Comparing Santos with Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo

In the pizza chart above, Santos’s metrics are compared to those of Chelsea midfielder Moisés Caicedo. While both players share high ratings in Ball Recovery (with Caicedo slightly edging Santos at the 98th percentile compared to Santos’s 93rd), Santos leads in several other key areas. His Goal Threat at the 100th percentile is exceptional, setting him apart as a scoring midfielder with a rare level of efficiency. Additionally, his 70th percentile rating in Progressive Passing highlights his vision and willingness to advance play, a crucial asset for creating scoring opportunities.

In Chance Creation and Ball Retention, Santos also scores favorably, further emphasizing his ability to impact the game consistently on the offensive end while maintaining possession under pressure. His skill set, while similar to Caicedo’s in defensive contributions, brings an added attacking edge that could complement Chelsea’s midfield diversity.

While it's essential to consider that these percentiles are based on comparisons with Ligue 1 peers, Santos couldn't be doing any more than he is currently. The signs are all positive; he has adjusted to Ligue 1 football very quickly and is dominating games there. It remains to be seen how he will compare when playing in the Premier League, but his current form suggests a promising transition.

Future Potential: A Complete Midfielder in the Making

If Santos continues to progress at this rate, Chelsea could be looking at a future cornerstone for their midfield. His adaptability, goal-scoring touch, and all-around ability make him an exciting prospect, and the €20 million investment may soon appear a bargain as he develops into a complete midfielder. With Chelsea’s long-term vision, Santos is well-positioned to become an integral part of their squad in years to come.

Conclusion: Why Andrey Santos is a Talent to Watch

Andrey Santos’s development journey is just beginning, yet he has already proven to be a valuable asset for RC Strasbourg and a promising talent for Chelsea. His performances in Ligue 1 are testament to his potential to succeed at the highest level. As he continues to adapt and grow, Santos could soon be making headlines in the Premier League, with Chelsea supporters eagerly anticipating his impact.