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How to Play Like Andrey Santos: A Complete Guide for Young Footballers
2 November 2026 · 6 min read
If you're wondering how to play like Andrey Santos, you're setting your sights on one of the most exciting young midfielders in world football. The Brazilian sensation has captured the attention of top European clubs with his exceptional technical ability, tactical intelligence, and remarkable composure for such a young player. At Titans Football Academy, we believe studying elite players like Santos can provide invaluable lessons for aspiring young footballers looking to elevate their game.
Andrey Santos burst onto the scene as a teenage prodigy at Vasco da Gama before earning a high-profile move to Chelsea in 2023. His journey from Brazilian youth football to one of the Premier League's biggest clubs offers inspiration and practical lessons for young players across the UK who dream of reaching the top level of professional football.
Understanding Andrey Santos's Playing Style
Before you can learn how to play like Andrey Santos, it's essential to understand what makes him such a special talent. Santos operates primarily as a central midfielder, often deployed in a box-to-box role or as a defensive midfielder. His game is built on several key pillars that young players can work to develop in their own training.
Technical Excellence Under Pressure
One of Santos's most impressive attributes is his ability to receive the ball in tight spaces and play out of pressure with composure. Unlike many young players who panic when opponents close them down, Santos remains calm, uses his body effectively to shield the ball, and makes intelligent decisions quickly. This skill comes from countless hours of technical training and developing what coaches call "football intelligence."
Young footballers can begin developing this aspect of their game by practising receiving drills in confined spaces. Start with simple exercises where a teammate applies light pressure, gradually increasing the intensity as your comfort level grows. The key is to develop the confidence to keep the ball close to your feet while scanning the pitch for passing options.
Exceptional Passing Range
Santos possesses an outstanding passing range that allows him to dictate the tempo of matches. Whether it's a simple five-yard pass to maintain possession or a defence-splitting through ball to release an attacker, his technical quality on the ball is consistently impressive. He's equally comfortable with both feet, though predominantly right-footed, and can execute various passing techniques with precision.
Key Training Drills to Develop Santos-Like Skills
Developing the skills to play like Andrey Santos requires dedicated practice and the right training methodology. Here are specific drills that can help young midfielders enhance their game in the style of the Brazilian star.
Rondo Exercises for Ball Retention
The famous "rondo" drill, popularised by Barcelona's La Masia academy, is perfect for developing the close control and quick thinking that Santos demonstrates. Set up a small grid with four to six players on the outside and one or two defenders in the middle. The objective is to keep possession through quick, accurate passing while the defenders attempt to win the ball.
This exercise improves first touch, decision-making speed, and spatial awareness – all crucial elements of Santos's midfield play. Start with a larger grid for younger players and progressively reduce the space as skills improve.
Progressive Passing Patterns
To develop Santos's ability to switch play and find forward passes, practise progressive passing patterns with teammates. Set up a training area that mimics a midfield zone and work on receiving the ball facing your own goal before turning and playing a forward pass. This replicates the game situations Santos faces regularly and builds the muscle memory needed to execute these movements instinctively during matches.
Physical Conditioning for Midfield Excellence
Playing like Andrey Santos isn't just about technical ability – it also requires excellent physical conditioning. Despite his young age, Santos covers significant ground during matches and maintains his technical quality even when fatigued. Young players aspiring to reach similar levels must develop their physical attributes alongside their footballing skills.
Building Football-Specific Endurance
Central midfielders need exceptional aerobic capacity combined with the ability to produce repeated high-intensity efforts. Interval training that mimics the demands of a football match is far more beneficial than steady-state jogging. Work on exercises that combine short sprints with active recovery periods, gradually increasing the duration and intensity as fitness improves.
Core Strength and Balance
Santos's ability to hold off opponents and maintain his balance in physical duels comes from excellent core strength. Young players should incorporate age-appropriate strength training into their routines, focusing on exercises that improve stability and power. Planks, medicine ball work, and bodyweight exercises can all contribute to the physical foundation needed for midfield dominance.
Developing the Mindset of a Top Midfielder
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Andrey Santos's game is his mental approach to football. Moving from Brazil to European football as a teenager requires tremendous mental resilience, and his performances demonstrate a maturity beyond his years.
Composure Under Pressure
Santos rarely appears flustered, even in high-pressure situations. This composure is something young players can develop through consistent exposure to challenging situations in training. Coaches at quality academies create training environments that simulate match pressure, helping players become comfortable performing when the stakes feel high.
Continuous Learning Mentality
Elite players like Santos never stop learning. Despite his obvious talent, he continues to work on weaknesses and expand his game. Young footballers should adopt this growth mindset, viewing every training session as an opportunity to improve rather than simply going through the motions. Keep a training diary, watch footage of your performances, and actively seek feedback from coaches.
Tactical Awareness: Reading the Game Like Santos
One of the distinguishing features of Andrey Santos's play is his exceptional tactical awareness. He seems to understand where space will appear before it opens up, allowing him to position himself advantageously and make the right decisions consistently.
Developing this awareness requires studying the game beyond your own training sessions. Watch professional matches with a specific focus on midfield play. Notice how top midfielders position themselves relative to teammates and opponents. Pay attention to their body orientation when receiving the ball and how they scan the pitch before the ball arrives.
Young players can also benefit from playing different positions occasionally, as this builds a more complete understanding of how all areas of the pitch interact. A midfielder who has spent time playing as a defender or attacker will better understand what their teammates need from them.
Putting It All Together: Your Path to Playing Like Andrey Santos
Learning how to play like Andrey Santos is a journey that requires patience, dedication, and quality coaching. The Brazilian midfielder's success didn't happen overnight – it's the result of years of focused development that began in youth football. Young players in the UK have access to excellent coaching structures that can help them develop similar skills and reach their potential.
Remember that every elite player started exactly where you are now. The difference between those who reach the top and those who don't often comes down to consistent effort, quality training, and the right guidance. Focus on the fundamentals, embrace the process of improvement, and maintain the passion that drew you to football in the first place.
At Titans Football Academy, we specialise in developing young midfielders and players across all positions using proven coaching methodologies inspired by the world's best players. Our expert coaches create training environments that challenge players technically, physically, and mentally – giving them the tools to develop their game in the style of stars like Andrey Santos. If you're a parent looking to give your child the best possible football education, or a young player ready to take your game to the next level, we invite you to enquire about joining our academy programmes today. Contact Titans Football Academy to discover how we can help you on your journey to footballing excellence.