“He helps everyone” – Andrey Santos praises importance of “fantastic” Chelsea team-mate | OneFootball

Andrey Santos has hailed Reece James as “fantastic” and revealed he helps everyone at the club when they arrive.

Santos was signed in January 2023 from Brazilian side Vasco da Gama in a deal believed to be worth just £13m, which is looking like a bargain.

The Brazil international spent 18 months on loan at Strasbourg after a failed spell at Nottingham Forest, and made his long awaited debut at the Club World Cup.

Andrey Santos on Reece James

Santos has had to be patient for opportunities, but when he has featured he’s largely impressed, especially in the win against Burnley.

Moises Caicedo’s red card against Arsenal was viewed as the perfect opportunity for Santos, but after starting against Leeds he didn’t play a single minute against Bournemouth or Atalanta.

Santos has been in and out of the side this season. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images.)

Maresca has stated Santos will get opportunities, and the 21-year-old has revealed how important James has been for him.

“Reece is fantastic,” he told Chelsea’s official website.

“He’s the captain, he helps everyone, and I think this is important for the younger players that arrive here.”

Santos will be hoping to feature in Saturdays big game against Everton, but is more likely to see major minutes against Cardiff in the Carabao Cup quarter final on Tuesday evening.

Cole Palmer and Wesley Fofana fit and available for Everton

Whilst Santos may get an opportunity against the Toffees, two players who will almost certainly feature are Cole Palmer and Wesley Fofana.

Fofana is fit and available after coming off with an eye problem in the second half of the defeat against Atalanta on Tuesday evening.

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The 24-year-old will likely partner Trevoh Chalobah in the heart of the Chelsea defence, whilst Palmer is back in contention after missing the trip to Atalanta as part of his recovery process.

Palmer scored four goals in a 6-0 win against Everton under Mauricio Pochettino two season ago, and Chelsea would be delighted with something similar this time round.