Andrey Santos Celebrates His Ideal Partnership with Estevao

Andrey Santos is helping fellow Brazilian Estevao Willian adjust to life at Chelsea. Santos, who arrived in England as a teenager, understands the challenges that young players face in the Premier League. He aims to make Estevao’s transition smoother, sharing personal experiences from his own early days.

Andrey Santos’s Journey and Role

Two years ago, Santos moved from Vasco da Gama in Brazil to Chelsea. He started with a loan to Nottingham Forest, where he faced challenges adapting to English football. After a year and a half of development in France at Strasbourg, he returned to Chelsea stronger.

Success at Chelsea

• Santos played a key role in Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup victory.
• He is now part of Enzo Maresca’s squad for the 2025/26 season.
• The squad includes a strong Brazilian contingent, featuring Joao Pedro and Estevao.

Estevao, just 18 years old, joined Chelsea from Palmeiras following the Club World Cup. He is experiencing his first campaign in Europe and has made a notable impact by scoring three goals in 14 appearances, one of which was historic as he became Chelsea’s youngest scorer in the UEFA Champions League during a match against Ajax.

Building Relationships

Santos emphasizes the importance of team chemistry. He assists Estevao by translating when necessary and maintaining strong communication. Santos said, “We are always together on and off the training ground. Our relationship is excellent, which is vital when we play.” His multilingual skills in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish enhance his ability to connect with teammates.

The Adaptation Process

Santos acknowledges the varying adaptation experiences among players. He believes Estevao is handling his transition exceptionally well. Santos pointed out, “For Estevao, the adaptation has been effective, allowing him to perform on the field.”

He reflected on his own journey, which included time on loan: “My process was different, but it’s essential to keep fighting for our dreams and support each other along the way.”