How to Play Like Andrey Santos: The Complete Guide for Young Midfielders

If you’re a young footballer dreaming of making it to the top, learning how to play like Andrey Santos could be the perfect blueprint for your development. The Brazilian midfielder, who made a high-profile move to Chelsea before gaining valuable experience on loan, has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in world football. His combination of technical excellence, tactical intelligence, and physical prowess makes him an ideal role model for aspiring midfielders across the UK.

At just 20 years old, Andrey Santos has already demonstrated the qualities that separate good players from exceptional ones. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly what makes him special and provide actionable training tips that young players can implement immediately to develop similar skills on the pitch.

Who Is Andrey Santos? Understanding the Brazilian Prodigy

Andrey Santos burst onto the scene at Vasco da Gama in Brazil, where his performances caught the attention of elite European clubs. Chelsea secured his signature in January 2023, recognising his immense potential as a box-to-box midfielder with exceptional all-round abilities. Since then, he has gained invaluable experience through loan spells at Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg, continuing to develop his game at the highest levels.

What makes Santos particularly interesting for young players to study is that he’s still developing himself. Unlike watching established superstars who seem untouchable, observing Santos allows young footballers to see a player actively improving and adapting to new challenges. This makes his journey relatable and his methods achievable for academy players.

Santos’s Playing Style Breakdown

Andrey Santos operates primarily as a central midfielder who can play both defensively and in more advanced positions. His versatility is one of his greatest assets, and young players should aim to develop similar flexibility in their game. He combines Brazilian flair with European tactical discipline, making him effective in multiple systems and formations.

Essential Skills to Develop If You Want to Play Like Andrey Santos

To emulate Santos’s playing style, young midfielders need to focus on several key technical and tactical areas. Let’s examine each one in detail and explore how you can train these skills effectively.

Ball Control and First Touch

Santos’s first touch is exceptional, allowing him to receive the ball under pressure and immediately set himself up for the next action. Young players should dedicate significant training time to receiving the ball from various angles and heights. Practice controlling passes with both feet, using different surfaces of your foot, and always looking to take your first touch in the direction you want to play.

A simple drill to improve this involves having a partner pass balls to you from different angles whilst you control and turn in one movement. Aim for 50-100 repetitions per training session, gradually increasing the pace and pressure as you improve.

Passing Range and Vision

One of Santos’s standout qualities is his passing ability. He can play short, intricate passes to maintain possession, but also has the vision and technique to play long, switching balls that change the point of attack. Young midfielders should work on both aspects of their passing game.

To develop like Santos, practice:

Short passing combinations with quick one-touch and two-touch play
Long-range passes over 30-40 yards to develop power and accuracy
Disguised passes that catch opponents off guard
Playing through tight spaces between mannequins or cones

Defensive Awareness and Positioning

Unlike purely creative midfielders, Andrey Santos contributes significantly to his team’s defensive efforts. He reads the game well, intercepts passes, and isn’t afraid to make tackles. Young players aspiring to play like Santos must understand that modern midfielders need to be complete players who work hard without the ball.

Focus on your positioning when your team loses possession. Learn to recognise danger areas and cut off passing lanes. Watch Santos’s movement when defending and notice how he constantly adjusts his position based on the ball’s location and his opponents’ movements.

Physical Conditioning: Building the Engine of a Box-to-Box Midfielder

Andrey Santos covers enormous distances during matches, constantly moving between both penalty areas. This requires exceptional cardiovascular fitness combined with the ability to make repeated sprints throughout 90 minutes. Young players must develop their physical conditioning alongside their technical skills.

Football-Specific Endurance Training

Rather than simply running long distances, young midfielders should focus on interval training that mimics the demands of a football match. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions that combine sprints with jogging recovery periods will build the specific fitness needed to play like Santos.

A sample session might include:

10-minute warm-up with dynamic stretches
6 x 30-second sprints with 90-second recovery jogs
4 x 60-second high-intensity runs with 2-minute recovery
Technical drills performed whilst fatigued
Cool-down and stretching routine

Strength and Power Development

Santos uses his body effectively to shield the ball and compete physically in midfield battles. Age-appropriate strength training helps young players develop the power needed for these situations. Bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and press-ups provide excellent foundations for younger players, whilst older academy players can progress to resistance training under proper supervision.

Tactical Intelligence: Reading the Game Like a Professional

Perhaps the most difficult aspect of learning how to play like Andrey Santos is developing similar tactical awareness. This comes through experience, study, and deliberate practice. Young players can accelerate their learning by watching professional matches with a tactical focus.

Studying Match Footage

When watching Santos play, pay attention to:

His positioning relative to teammates and opponents
When he chooses to press and when he holds his position
His movement to create passing angles
How he transitions between attack and defence
His communication with teammates

Consider keeping a notebook whilst watching matches, recording specific moments where Santos makes intelligent decisions. This active watching will help you internalise good habits much faster than passive viewing.

Making Better Decisions Under Pressure

Decision-making separates good players from great ones. Santos consistently makes the right choice under pressure because he’s constantly scanning his surroundings. Young players should practice checking their shoulders before receiving the ball, building a mental picture of where teammates and opponents are positioned.

Small-sided games are excellent for developing decision-making skills. The increased number of touches and faster pace force players to think quickly and execute under pressure, replicating the demands Santos faces in professional matches.

The Mental Side: Developing Professional Footballer Mindset

Andrey Santos’s journey from Brazil to European football required tremendous mental strength. Moving to a new country, adapting to different playing styles, and handling the pressure of a big transfer all demanded psychological resilience. Young players must develop similar mental toughness to succeed at higher levels.

Building Confidence and Resilience

Every professional footballer faces setbacks, mistakes, and criticism. What separates those who make it from those who don’t is often their ability to bounce back. Young players should view mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures. Santos himself has had to adapt to different environments and overcome challenges, emerging stronger each time.

Parents play a crucial role in developing young players’ mental resilience. Encouraging effort over results, celebrating improvement rather than just victories, and providing emotional support during difficult periods all contribute to developing mentally strong footballers.

Conclusion: Your Path to Playing Like Andrey Santos

Learning how to play like Andrey Santos requires dedication to developing multiple aspects of your game. From technical skills like ball control and passing to physical conditioning and tactical intelligence, aspiring midfielders must work consistently on all areas. The Brazilian’s journey shows that with the right attitude, training, and support, young players can reach the highest levels of professional football.

Remember that Santos didn’t become a Chelsea player overnight. His development took years of focused practice, quality coaching, and competitive matches against strong opponents. Young players should enjoy their journey whilst maintaining the discipline needed to improve continuously.

At Titans Football Academy, we specialise in developing young midfielders with the technical, tactical, and physical skills needed to excel at the highest levels. Our expert coaches understand exactly what it takes to nurture talent and help players reach their full potential. If you’re a parent looking to give your child the best possible football education, or a young player determined to develop skills like Andrey Santos, we’d love to hear from you. Contact Titans Football Academy today to enquire about joining our programme and take the first step towards becoming the complete midfielder you’ve always dreamed of being.

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How to Play Like Andrey Santos | Youth Football Guide 2024

How to Play Like Andrey Santos: The Complete Guide for Young Midfielders