Going to jump on a bandwagon that @Sconnie Blue has been on for about half a season and that is the need for 5 quality midfielders to fill three positions because most teams severely underestimate how much depth is needed. Santos stepped in for Fernandez without the side losing a beat and was a big reason we were able to ride out PSG's momentum.

The way football has changed I don't think it's feasible to start 2-3 midfielders for all the games in a season.

Please please please don’t sell him. He looks very good and I can see him being a nailed on starter sooner rather than later.

1 hour ago, SydneyChelsea said:

Going to jump on a bandwagon that @Sconnie Blue has been on for about half a season and that is the need for 5 quality midfielders to fill three positions because most teams severely underestimate how much depth is needed. Santos stepped in for Fernandez without the side losing a beat and was a big reason we were able to ride out PSG's momentum.

The way football has changed I don't think it's feasible to start 2-3 midfielders for all the games in a season.

I loved that one of the first things he did was "soften up" Vitinha, a lovely little "Im coming for you" tackle.

West ham have offered 45mill for him.

7 minutes ago, axman2526 said:

West ham have offered 45mill for him.

Negative.

Hope we turn down all offers, if true. He could be a massive part of our future.

Not for sale.

I think he’s going to be a player for us this season.

Then what’s he worth?

Would he still not be for sale if it was our last chance to get Xavi Simons through the door?

30 minutes ago, Andy North said:

Would he still not be for sale if it was our last chance to get Xavi Simons through the door?

Santos is a better player than Simons in a more important position of the pitch, of which we have less options.

Simons is another Felix type luxury purchase we don’t actually need.

8 minutes ago, The Boehly Babes said:

Santos is a better player than Simons in a more important position of the pitch, of which we have less options.

Simons is another Felix type luxury purchase we don’t actually need.

I just think it would be a great shame for Santos to not be given a chance at Chelsea. I am concerned that the board may see it differently though.

27 minutes ago, Andy North said:

I just think it would be a great shame for Santos to not be given a chance at Chelsea. I am concerned that the board may see it differently though.

I am all aboard the Santos train, I believe by seasons end he’ll have fully dislodged Enzo as the starter next to Caicedo.

Was in all the right spots but goddamn that shot, wtf was that!

Did far more than Enzo in the few minutes he had

He should have been brought on earlier. He has more presence than Enzo, he impacted the game and I think he should have been used deeper to allow estevao more freedom and gusto holding the width but he is definitely a player who should get plenty of minutes this season

The problem I see is Maresca just giving him 10 to 15 minutes at the end of a game and Santos tries too hard because he feels has to deliver something stunning in that short space of time to force his way in to the starting lineup.

Personally, I don't even think Maresca is considering him to replace Enzo, I suspect he sees him more as an understudy for Caicedo.

6 minutes ago, just said:

The problem I see is Maresca just giving him 10 to 15 minutes at the end of a game and Santos tries too hard because he feels has to deliver something stunning in that short space of time to force his way in to the starting lineup.

Personally, I don't even think Maresca is considering him to replace Enzo, I suspect he sees him more as an understudy for Caicedo.

And that remains a big problem, essugo should be the understudy to Caicedo and who plays next to him should be based on the game, santos should play against teams who aim to stifle us, Enzo should play when the teams a a bit more attacking and he has time to play and Lavia should play when he’s fit.

6 minutes ago, just said:

The problem I see is Maresca just giving him 10 to 15 minutes at the end of a game and Santos tries too hard because he feels has to deliver something stunning in that short space of time to force his way in to the starting lineup.

Personally, I don't even think Maresca is considering him to replace Enzo, I suspect he sees him more as an understudy for Caicedo.

Sadly I think you're right. I fear Santos (or anyone) will only get any extended run in the team if Enzo picks up an injury. Hard to pick up an injury when you don't really tackle anyone and rarely get on the ball when under pressure!

Unfortunately made the wrong call with that late chance.

All that space best not to swing your weaker foot at it. If he takes a touch he can get a shot off with his stronger foot. I believe had he done so we at least have a good save from Henderson to talk about, and more likely he is the match winner.

Oh the miss was unforgivable from a professional footballer, especially one that hit double figures last season.

Putting that aside though he looked composed and an instant upgrade on what Enzo wasn’t offering yesterday.

32 minutes ago, The Boehly Babes said:

Oh the miss was unforgivable from a professional footballer, especially one that hit double figures last season.

Putting that aside though he looked composed and an instant upgrade on what Enzo wasn’t offering yesterday.

Double figures in L1. Petrovic was outstanding in L1 and as shaky as hell on Friday. L1 ain't the PL.

18 minutes ago, dermott said:

Double figures in L1. Petrovic was outstanding in L1 and as shaky as hell on Friday. L1 ain't the PL.

Petrovic was good on Friday, their defense is abysmal though.

9 minutes ago, Ukraine Bolt said:

Petrovic was good on Friday, their defense is abysmal though.

Now you're just being silly.

1 minute ago, dermott said:

Now you're just being silly.

Shipping 4 as a goalie and still being the only player in the green seems to suggest he had a good game too.

4 minutes ago, dermott said:

Now you're just being silly.

Sorry I disagree too. I watched the game, Petrovic was not at fault for the goals.