Chelsea’s on-loan midfielder Andrey Santos has been named Ligue 1’s Young Player of the Month, after a fine display for Strasbourg last month.
The 19-year-old Brazilian is highly rated by the club, but was sent out on loan to Strasbourg in January to further develop his game, after a failed loan spell at Nottingham Forest in the first half of the season where he made just two first-team appearances.
Santos delivered two superb displays for Strasbourg in wins over Nantes and Rennes last month to secure the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Month for March.
The Chelsea teenager has already played five games for Strasbourg.
Andrey Santos has hailed manager Patrick Vieira for playing a key role in his development.
“I am very happy to be here. I have the chance to help the team over the last three matches and to be in continuity on an individual and collective level with good results,” Santos said.
“When I learned that I was going to be loaned to Strasbourg, I was with the Brazilian national team. I started watching Racing’s matches and all I wanted was to have playing time again, to be able to play regularly.
“The coach is a point of reference for me, he is one of the best midfielders in history. He asks me to play simply and to bring the ball forward neatly.
“Ligue 1 is a very difficult, physical league. This experience can only be beneficial for the rest of my career. I was very well received here, I feel at home and It allowed me to get my bearings quickly.
“I started my career as a defender. I’ve always listened to the coach and done what he expects of me. Little by little, I moved up a notch to become a midfielder. I owe a lot to Vasco.
“There is a very good mentality in the squad. We must continue like this and win our next matches because things are not yet settled in terms of survival.”