Paul Merson claims unlikely £13m man has become one of Chelsea’s “best performers” | OneFootball

Paul Merson believes Andrey Santos has become one of Chelsea’s best players since Liam Rosenior took over as head coach.

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The Blues signed the Brazilian from Vasco da Gama in January 2023 in a deal believed to be worth £13.5m, and Santos finally made his debut at the Club World Cup last summer.

The Brazil international had a failed loan spell at Nottingham Forest, before going on to have a very successful 18 months at Strasbourg.

Paul Merson praises Andrey Santos form

Last season Santos thrived under Rosenior at Strasbourg, and was arguably their best player as the Ligue 1 outfit qualified for the Conference League.

However, under Enzo Maresca, he didn’t get much of a look in, but he’s arguably the player who’s benefitted most from Rosenior coming in.

Santos has really benefitted from the arrival of Rosenior. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

The 41-year-old has used Santos in a midfield pivot alongside Moises Caicedo, with Enzo Fernandez deployed further up the pitch.

He’s put in some impressive performances, and the question has to be asked as to why Maresca didn’t use him more.

The 21-year-old will likely find himself in the starting line-up for Saturday’s game against Burnley, and Merson has claimed Santos has been one of Chelsea’s best players.

“Liam Rosenior likes deploying Andrey Santos and Moises Caicedo in the base of his midfield,” he told Sports Keeda.

“I expect Enzo Fernandez to continue as the number ten, with Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto either side of Joao Pedro.

“Santos has been one of the best performers under Rosenior so I don’t think Chelsea will change anything.”

Chelsea want new midfielder in the summer

Despite the form of Santos, Chelsea are said to have made a new midfielder a priority this summer to help ease the burden on Caicedo and Fernandez.

Chelsea have been linked with both Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, but will likely face fierce competition from other clubs.

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It’s unclear whether the Blues are looking for a starting level player, and if they are once again prepared to spend big in midfield.

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