When Maresca was in charge, Santos’ role at Stamford Bridge often felt like an afterthought. The Italian tactician repeatedly described the 21-year-old as more of an “Enzo Fernández-type” player — creative, attacking-minded, capable of operating higher up the pitch in pockets or as a No.10. Maresca praised Santos’ work ethic and his impressive loan spell at Strasbourg (where he racked up double-digit goals and assists in 2024/25), but he consistently prioritized established options like Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, and even the injury-prone Romeo Lavia in deeper midfield roles. Santos made sporadic appearances — often as a substitute or in rotated line-ups — but rarely strung together consecutive starts. Maresca’s comments suggested a reluctance to commit to Santos as a true No.6 or anchor, fearing perhaps that the Brazilian’s natural flair and forward instincts might disrupt the disciplined, possession-heavy structure he wanted at the base of midfield.
Fast-forward to early 2026, and the narrative has flipped dramatically. Since Rosenior replaced Maresca in January, Santos has started the majority of Chelsea’s matches across all competitions, including key fixtures against top opposition. Fans and pundits alike have noted how the youngster has provided exactly the defensive solidity, intelligent positioning, and progressive passing that the team sometimes lacked under the previous regime. Paul Merson recently called Santos one of Chelsea’s “best performers” since the managerial change, highlighting his ability to dictate tempo, win interceptions, and bring balance to the engine room.
Rosenior, who previously worked with Santos during the Brazilian’s successful loan at Strasbourg, has deployed him in his “real” position — deeper, alongside Caicedo when fit, allowing Fernández to push forward into more advanced areas. The results speak for themselves: improved midfield control, fewer turnovers in dangerous zones, and a noticeable uptick in the team’s ability to transition from defense to attack smoothly. Santos’ maturity — playing “way beyond his years,” as Rosenior put it — has addressed the very concerns Maresca appeared to harbor about trusting a young player in such a pivotal, high-pressure role.
The irony isn’t lost on supporters. What Maresca seemed “afraid of” — committing to Santos as a consistent deep midfielder who could anchor the side without sacrificing technical quality — has become one of Rosenior’s biggest strengths. Santos has started more games in the opening months of 2026 than he did throughout the entire previous campaign under Maresca. His presence has even forced tactical tweaks elsewhere, with Cole Palmer occasionally shifting wide to accommodate the midfield trio of Santos, Caicedo, and Fernández.
This rapid rise has sparked debate about what might have been. Had Maresca integrated Santos more fully last season, could Chelsea have avoided some of the midfield inconsistencies that contributed to their uneven form? Or was the timing simply right — with Santos more adapted to Premier League demands after his Strasbourg experience and Rosenior’s familiarity unlocking his potential?
Either way, Santos is no longer on the fringes. At 21, with a contract running until 2030 and a market value hovering around €40m (with some estimates pushing higher), he’s quickly becoming indispensable. Chelsea’s hierarchy invested heavily in him as a long-term asset, and now, under Rosenior, that vision is materializing in real time.
The twist? The player Maresca viewed through an attacking lens has thrived as the defensive fulcrum the team needed all along. It’s a reminder of how managerial philosophies can make or break a talent — and how one change at the top can transform a squad’s dynamic overnight.
As Chelsea push for a top-four spot and beyond, Andrey Santos isn’t just fitting in; he’s defining the midfield’s new identity. Maresca’s caution has given way to Rosenior’s conviction — and the Brazilian is reaping the rewards.
