Andrey Santos – Player Scouting Report

Ligue 1 as the breeding ground for talents throughout this season, and one of the underrated names through the pile of players is Strasbourg’s midfield general Andrey Santos, spending the season on loan from Chelsea.

Andrey Santos is synonymous for his goal scoring prowess, workhouse midfield profile and the technical brilliance that helps him impose himself in each game – passing, dribbling, receiving under pressure and the aerial presence

Andrey Santos plays a hybrid role of a #6/8 – very comfortable in playing as a box to box or even as the lone orchestrator for his club according to the demand of game state/manager. He really enjoys bombarding forwards to boost numbers in attack.

Andrey Santos – Season Compilation

These specific qualities for a Brazilian at 21, who’s gone abroad and consistently paved a way for himself through his performances, jave seen him be heavily scouted by top clubs in Europe. Although Chelsea would want to keep hold of a talent like his, it’s a situation to look out for as Santos has made the Blues squad for the Club World Cup.

Firstly, let’s look at his player profile:
Age: 21
Club: Chelsea (on loan in 24/25 at Strasbourg)
Position: DM/CM
Foot: Right
Nationality: Brazilian
Value: €34M
Height: 5’11
Avg SofaScore rating: 7.40

Key Traits: Aerial Duels, Tackling, Passing, Shot taking actions, Press Resistant, Goal scoring midfielder

Player Profile – In Possession:

Santos’s passing showcase varied technique with accurate precision. He has a knack of breaking the lines from central positions – floated passes to the CF, clipped passes wider or short threaded ground passes to the centre. Decent under pressure but even better when given the time and space.

Albeit being a team player, Santos likes to challenge the odds with his ball carrying. Can boot up the ball or even run with the side of his laces to keep the ball in closer proximity – uses bursts of pace to create separation and draw players whilst also using his hands to shove contact. A tight space manipulator who has the finesse in flicks/feints to bait men to his ball mastery.

On the ball, Santos reeks of composure which naturally makes him press resistant. As a receiver of the ball from first phase, he demonstrates an exceptional first touch where he doesn’t overdo but rather makes sure it’s enough to help in the actions without faltering mistakes.

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This skill of his is useful when he’s marked out by multiple players where he likes to use his ball manipulation in tight spaces to manoeuvre through the bodies whilst emphasising on calmness and simplicity with effectiveness. From back to goal in the first pass to making that half turn and unleash a pass/carry through the channels

His quickness in possession and proficiency in build up tests his decision making and elite understanding of the game. A common theme in his goals scored this season has been the late driving third man runs he makes on the back post. In terms of finishing, it shows maturity and refined technique for a midfielder.

Midfielders who score goals are always going to be valued by a coach, Santos’ exact unique selling point is his ability to find the right space + positional movement to scores. Goal scoring is a tough trait to develop for a midfielder who’s basically a #6 majority of the time but at Strasbourg, they’ve found a balance to actually utilise it more often.

The ball striking technique is nuanced – crisp connections on shots from outside the box; usually set piece scenarios, curled shots that seek precision for the finish or even venomous strikes to find the net. A proper dissection of placement and power

Scanning as a midfielder is a key trait and Santos uses it to his benefit – necessarily being a step ahead of others. Can revive in tight spaces and be vary of his surroundings, that also helps him pick out runners in space. Additionally while defending, the spatial awareness and reading of the game sees him in positions of advantage

Player Profile – Out of Possession

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Defensively, the intensity in dueling especially that of winning ground duels is exceptional. He scans the movements of opposition that sees him put in that extra work rate in keeping up with runs and also trying to keep the eyes on the ball and positionally get the better of the opponent.

Although being a midfielder in nature, he is tasked to press from the front and track opponents from his zone who drop deep. He executes the press competently, making sure to block passing lanes whilst also using his recovery pace to mitigate transitional threat.

He doesn’t shy away from using his physicality, in the sense of using his arms to disrupt running patterns and recycle possession. He shows intelligence in reading and intercepting possession by staying put to his position and and unsettle ball players from the opposition by pressing them to force a pass/action.

Aerially, he’s well tamed with his defensive aggression to pounce on loose balls and threaten players in the air. This particular trait of his helps him maximise set-pieces in the attacking half of the pitch where he’s often there in the pockets of the backpost to receive from dead ball situations – on the scoresheet twice from headed goals this season.

Statistically, his defensive game translates very well:
Averages 2.33 tackles per90 (93rd percentile);
7.18 duels won per90 (88th percentile); 5.92 recoveries per90 (74th percentile)

Santos’ athleticism is a certain game changer that helps him operate as a box to box runner – at one point you’ll see him attack higher up the pitch and play passes whilst the other scenario it’s him dropping deep to win the ball. He can stay compact and shift his body accordingly

Areas to Improve:

Over carries – the optimistic approach in being at the end of chances and doing things himself has resulted in him losing the ball and creating turnovers at times. The quickness in finding players can be curbed in order to rather stay more composed and efficiently play passes when it’s required.

Conclusion:

There’s one thing proven through his spell at Strasbourg is that he’s ready for the big stage. At only 21, the qualities he brings has also seen him become the captain of his club, whilst being a loan player which is very impressive.

Coaching a player like Andrey Santos is easier due to his adaptable nature and versatility in positional freedom. His ZOI should be a role that sees him more on the ball, to display his passing/carries is the best punt – keeping him prone to making those late runs at the edge of the box for a shot.