He Looks Like a Starter” – Joe Cole Hails Chelsea Squad Depth After Santos Shines Against Burnley

Chelsea’s Premier League campaign continues to gather momentum, and former Blues star Joe Cole believes the club’s depth in midfield is now a luxury that any manager would envy. Speaking after Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Burnley, Cole praised Andrey Santos for his impressive performance, suggesting the youngster could now stake a serious claim as a first-team regular.

Chelsea Squad Depth Proves Its Worth

Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Burnley came courtesy of a late strike from Enzo Fernandez, following Ruben Dias’ earlier equalizer. However, it was the performance of Andrey Santos in midfield that caught the eye of many, including Cole. With Moises Caicedo rested after playing two full games for Ecuador, Santos was deployed in a slightly different role to cover for the absence.

Cole told TNT Sports: “Off the ball, we questioned it, didn’t we? We said, ‘How would Chelsea react without [Moises] Caicedo today because of the things that he can do, blocking runs and breaking down play’. But he [Santos] was absolutely outstanding. Every time there was a bit of danger, he sniffed it out.”

This performance highlighted Chelsea’s squad depth, showing that Maresca can rotate players without a noticeable drop in quality. It also emphasizes the competition for places, with Santos, Caicedo, Fernandez, and Romeo Lavia forming one of the most formidable central midfield units in the Premier League.

Joe Cole’s Verdict: Santos Deserves More

“He Looks Like a Starter” – Joe Cole Hails Chelsea Squad Depth After Santos Shines Against Burnley

Cole was quick to note that Santos’ display against Burnley was not only impressive but also a sign of the club’s strength in depth. “Sometimes, I think players have a natural ability in this area, and he seems to be one of those types of players. Chelsea have got Enzo [Fernandez], [Romeo] Lavia, [Moises] Caicedo, and Andrey Santos as well. Is there a collection of four midfielders better in the league, central midfielders, in that sort of type of players that they are? I don’t think there is,” Cole said.

He added: “If Chelsea have designs on going deep into competitions this season, I think they will play him enough to satisfy him now, but for me, he looks like a starter.” Cole’s comments underline the challenge for Maresca in managing such talent, but also the advantage of having a squad that can perform at the highest level even when key players are rested.

Tactical Flexibility Pays Off

Santos’ adaptability was crucial against Burnley. Maresca explained that the Brazilian had a slightly different positional role to account for Caicedo’s absence. This tactical tweak allowed Chelsea to maintain control of the midfield while keeping the opposition at bay. It’s a clear demonstration of how the club’s squad depth gives Maresca multiple options when selecting a starting XI, ensuring players are not overworked and can remain effective throughout a demanding season.

A Bright Future for Chelsea Midfield

Chelsea’s squad depth is now a talking point in its own right. With key players like Caicedo, Fernandez, and Lavia firmly established, Santos’ breakthrough performance could spark a healthy internal competition that pushes the team even higher. Cole’s endorsement signals that Chelsea may have found another central midfielder capable of stepping in at a moment’s notice and performing at an elite level.

As Chelsea continue their charge towards the top of the Premier League, Maresca can take comfort in knowing that his midfield options are not only strong but versatile. With players like Santos ready to rise to the occasion, the Blues’ squad depth could prove vital as they target success in both domestic and European competitions.