Chelsea’s Andrey Santos Sparks Debate After Club World Cup Snub and Impressive Cameo
Chelsea fans and football pundits were left questioning Mauricio Maresca’s team selection in the Club World Cup group stage as Andrey Santos was once again left out of the starting XI in their third group match against ES Tunis—despite widespread squad rotation.
Midfield Rotation Without Santos Raises Eyebrows
With Moises Caicedo rested, Maresca opted for Enzo Fernández and Romeo Lavia in central midfield, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was deployed in a wider role. The absence of Santos, even with several regular starters rotated, triggered concern about the Brazilian’s status within the squad.
Chelsea’s disjointed start to the match seemed to reflect the unfamiliar setup, but the Blues eventually found rhythm and dominance, securing a commanding 3-0 victory thanks to goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Liam Delap, and Tyrique George—booking their place in the Club World Cup Round of 16.
Andrey Santos Impresses in Limited Minutes
Santos was introduced in the 67th minute with Chelsea chasing a third goal, and the 20-year-old midfielder wasted no time making an impact. Despite limited minutes, Santos registered:
-
1 assist
-
1 key chance created
-
16/17 accurate passes
-
2 duels won
His sharp performance reignited debate among fans about why he hadn’t been given more minutes earlier in the tournament.
Maresca Responds: Santos Still Adapting
In his post-match comments to journalist Ben Jacobs, Maresca acknowledged Santos’ quality but reiterated that the Brazilian is still adapting to Chelsea’s tactical demands. The Chelsea boss stressed that all new signings go through a transition phase, and Santos would earn increased opportunities through continued training ground commitment.
“Andrey is working hard. He’s a talented player, but there’s a learning curve. Tactical understanding is key at Chelsea,” Maresca explained.
Growing Pressure as Top European Clubs Circle
While Maresca preaches patience, Andrey Santos’ situation is becoming increasingly delicate. The former Vasco da Gama star has reportedly expressed his desire for consistent first-team football, and the competition in Chelsea’s midfield is fierce—with Caicedo, Fernández, Lavia, and new arrival Dário Essugo all vying for starts.
European giants like Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and Barcelona are said to be monitoring Santos’ situation closely. The young midfielder’s contract makes him a valuable asset, and any prolonged lack of game time could tempt Chelsea’s rivals to make a move.
Chelsea Must Balance Santos’ Development and Squad Depth
With Chelsea placing a strong emphasis on youth development and long-term squad building, the club must tread carefully to keep a talent like Santos happy and progressing. Balancing rotation, tactical fit, and player satisfaction will be essential if they want to retain one of Europe’s most promising young midfielders.
Conclusion: Santos Makes His Case, But Chelsea Face Critical Decision
Andrey Santos’ standout cameo against ES Tunis has proven that he’s more than capable of influencing games at the highest level. As Chelsea progress in the FIFA Club World Cup, how Maresca manages the midfielder’s development and playing time will be pivotal—not just for the team’s success, but for retaining a player already on the radar of Europe’s elite clubs.