Chelsea Starlet Andrey Santos Reveals What He’s Gaining from Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo

Andrey Santos’ first full season as part of Chelsea’s senior squad has not gone exactly as many fans expected. After joining the club with enormous excitement in January 2023, then impressing on loan at Nottingham Forest and in Brazil, the young midfielder has struggled for regular minutes at Stamford Bridge.

But instead of showing frustration, Santos is choosing to see the bigger picture—and he believes the tough competition around him is making him a better player every single day.

The 20-year-old midfielder spoke openly about his situation, and his comments offer an honest look into what life is like for a young talent trying to break into one of the Premier League’s most demanding midfields.

Learning from Two of the League’s Best

Santos admitted he understands exactly why his minutes have been limited this season. Chelsea’s midfield includes two of the most expensive and highly rated players in Europe—Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo. The pair cost Chelsea over £200 million combined and remain key figures in Enzo Maresca’s plans.

But instead of feeling discouraged, Santos said the strong competition pushes him to raise his own level.

“When the squad is strong, it ends up pulling everyone up,” he said to Hayters Tv. “My competition is tough—Enzo and Moi are among the best in the league.”

It’s rare to hear a young player speak so maturely about being behind others in the pecking order. Many footballers in his position would be agitated or looking for a way out. Santos, however, sees the situation as an opportunity rather than a setback.

A Midfield Education Money Can’t Buy

While fans may worry about his lack of playing time, Santos believes his daily training sessions are shaping him into a much better player. He highlighted the importance of observing and learning from midfielders who already operate at the highest level.

“I believe the learning I am getting from them is essential,” he explained. “This exchange I am having with them is helping me mature a lot.”

Fernández, a World Cup winner at just 22, and Caicedo, one of the most dynamic ball-winners in Europe, offer two very different styles for Santos to study. From Enzo, he can absorb passing tempo, vision, and positional intelligence. From Caicedo, he can learn defensive timing, aggression, and ball recovery. It’s a combination that few young midfielders around the world have regular access to.

Chelsea staff have also praised Santos’ attitude since he returned to the club in the summer. Despite fewer minutes than expected, he has remained focused, humble, and determined to improve his game.

A Long-Term Investment Chelsea Still Believe In

Santos’ situation should not be mistaken for a lack of trust. Chelsea signed him because they see elite potential. His development is being handled with patience—something the club has not always shown with young players in the past.

At just 20 years old, the Brazilian has plenty of time to evolve into a key midfielder for the Blues. His calm approach, hunger to learn, and ability to see the long-term picture are qualities that often define players who eventually succeed at big clubs.

Chelsea’s long-term project under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital has always been about building a squad full of young, high-ceiling players. Santos fits into that vision perfectly.

With the season still long and Chelsea competing in multiple competitions, chances for Santos will come. Injuries, rotation, and fixture congestion will open the door for him to earn more minutes. His challenge now is to remain ready—mentally and physically—to seize his opportunity when it arrives.

Based on his attitude so far, few will be surprised if he eventually forces his way into Maresca’s plans. And when that moment comes, the lessons he is learning from Fernández and Caicedo could prove invaluable.

For now, Andrey Santos waits patiently. But he does so with the mindset of a young footballer who knows exactly where he is going—and who he is learning from on the way there.