5 Young Chelsea players that deserve game-time this preseason

4.  Andrey Santos

Out of all the youngsters Chelsea have scooped up, Andrey Santos likely bears the most promise of being ready for the first team. The 19-year-old Brazilian midfielder was bought during this year’s January transfer window and was primed to feature in the first team last season. However, work permit hurdles would prolong the time to see him in blue as he would embark on a loan spell back to Brazil.

Santos would continue to impress across the shores though, particularly internationally with the youth Brazilian sides. He led Brazil to triumph in the South American U20 Championships and scored two goals in their run to the quarterfinals in the U20 World Cup.

Santos’ versatility in the midfield is hailed as despite him often featuring as the deepest lying midfielder he possesses the technicality and ability on the ball to move further up the pitch and contribute to play in the final third. That is in fact the heart of his game, his ability to contribute to the linkup and final output from midfield to attack, either through his keen eye for goal or by creating chances for his teammates.

With proper time to prove himself this preseason, Andrey Santos could be an underrated addition to this currently depleted Chelsea midfield for next season.