We don't need TOP CDM with that guy already in the team, though we still need that 4th CM in the mold of Santos himself: young and promising talent may be with a little bit different skillset
Andrey Santos | 2026/27 Performances
- Thread starter MyOnlySolskjaer
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Was thinking just that. Mainly because on the other hand, you have Tielemans, and he's one of those who I think will suprise people with how good he'll be.
Back to Santos though, he looks class
I think Kobbie will be more in the Mount position so Tielemans and Mount will be more of the competition, which is steep nonetheless (3rd midfielder will compete with Santos). A lot more games this year though.
Fantastic player with PL experience already to boot, really happy with this signing.
New Keane
Looks like he could be a very astute signing. Half the price of Tonali and I struggle to see what Tonali does better than him.
Just a Gen Z comment, move on to a better one.
He's a
Santos loves playing between the lines, Kobbie is probably our most technically secure player in receiving between the lines. Just gotta make sure we got some super athletes behind them at the back.
Kobbie's fight is with Tielemans. Santos's competition is yet to come in.
The difference between a 6 and an 8 trying to be a 6. They will actually suit playing together in the right game.
Santos loves playing between the lines, Kobbie is probably our most technically secure player in receiving between the lines. Just gotta make sure we got some super athletes behind them at the back.
Kobbie's fight is with Tielemans. Santos's competition is yet to come in.
Cover ground.
Maybe we'll actually rotate Bruno more often this season. Tielemens is cover for Bruno, and Kobbie. I don't think I like Tielemens and Bruno playing together unless we're playing against a low block
Big fan of what he's shown so far. Great picture of the game in his head, knows where his options are before he gets the ball, and usually gets it forward quickly and accurately.
It'll be fantastic having him, Tielemans and Martinez in the same team. Feels like for years we've only ever had one or two players in deep positions who could be relied upon to get the ball forward, if that.
It'll be fantastic having him, Tielemans and Martinez in the same team. Feels like for years we've only ever had one or two players in deep positions who could be relied upon to get the ball forward, if that.
This is some player.
Tielemens and Bruno will play alot together, the former being alot better defensively as an 8 than people think
Tielemans and Bruno will be excellent together. Tielemans excels at punching the ball forward to the 10 during transition. He did it time and time again to Morgan Rogers, and he’ll do it time and time again to Bruno.
Tielemans and Santos might not be physically the most elite, but when they play together it’s going to be very hard for teams who want to press. They can both exploit the gaps which will give teams an absolute headache as usually you only need to keep one of those sorts of players quiet.
Disagree , he should complement Kobbie. He's a good "6" , who's best position is as "8"
Kobbie pushing high and recieving those line breaking passes will be fun to see.
He’s coasting through games in 3rd gear and looks very very good. On and off the ball.
Looks good as a DM. Tracks back, wins the ball, looks to play a pass forward
Good player. Young too.
Exciting times
Exciting times
Santos has been impressive so far. He and Mount have been the clear stand-outs during preseason, so hopefully they can carry that form into the PL itself.
Looking forward to Tielmanns and our forward line as well. Tielsmanns worked brilliantly with Ollie Watkins every time I saw them play.
Crazy numbers for a preseason game against a decent side.
Excellent in pre-season so far. Very rare for him to misplace a pass. Positionally excellent and consistently finds players ahead of him. Should be starting the opening games if he continues like this in the last few games
First time in about 4 managers where we have a central midfield where the players are better on the ball than they are off it. It’s simple stuff but it’s unsurprising it’s taken bringing back Michael Carrick to do that
Always underrated. Shame that bird shat in his mouth.
Going to have a massive season for us. Nice to actually have someone that plays simple but so effective. Can actual pass forward
Just watched his MUTV interview. He’s such a lovely lad! And he’s clearly delighted to be here!
I think Santos could turn out to be a fantastic signing. His ability to always find the forward pass is a real game-changer. A starting XI featuring our outstanding ball carriers (Kobbie, Fernandes, Cunha, and Amad) could be incredibly exciting. Every one of them is a constant threat in the final third, and Santos will put them in those positions time and time again.
Ligue 1 Team of the Year player and one of the best Brazilian CM talents does well, I am shocked! Going to be interesting to quote all those "Chelsea bench warmer, shit player" posters after his inevitable, very good PL season with us.
His forward passes and his recoveries were excellent today. Looks a player, will do wonders for our midfield having someone like him in it.
Promising signs. Excited to see how he performs in our first league game
Makes Geordie's cry?
Depends on how you read that post. I see it as Santos being the first option as DM and Mainoo fighting with Tielemans and Mount for the other second midfield position behind Bruno. That's without taking into account the other potential midfielder we may bring.
I personally hope to see all of them on the pitch with more equal minutes across the season and finishing the games together. I don't want to see a case of just Bruno + 2 every game. Carrick will need to rotate and keep everyone engaged with rhythm.
agree
I think we looked for Baleba alternatives throughout last season and picked this guy. And watching him today I think he did everything you'd expect Baleba to do. I think we're completely sorted for a proper DM option with him. Looks good enough to start if picked
He is going to benefit from being ahead of the others fitness wise due to the WC.
Very happy with the little clips I’ve seen so far…keep it up!
Very happy with the little clips I’ve seen so far…keep it up!
Our starting pairing should be him and Tielemans.