Chelsea loan star wins Ligue 1’s Young Player of the Month award

Andrey Santos has impressed since joining Strasbourg on loan (Icon Sport via Getty)

Chelsea’s on-loan midfielder Andrey Santos has been named Ligue 1’s Young Player of the Month following his impressive performances for Strasbourg.

The 19-year-old joined the French club in the January transfer window after a failed loan spell at Nottingham Forest in the first half of the season where he made just two first-team appearances.

Santos has already played five games for Strasbourg, who are managed by Patrick Vieira, and delivered two superb displays in wins over Nantes and Rennes last month to secure the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Month for March.

Strasbourg currently sit 13th in Ligue 1 and seven points above the relegation play-off place.

Speaking on Thursday, Santos credited Vieira for playing a key role in his development since his move to France.

‘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.’

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