A lot has been said about Nottingham Forest starlet Andrey Santos – and it’s not all been positive. Ultimately, however, this is nothing more than a storm in a teacup situation.
Santos signed on loan from Chelsea in the summer transfer window. At the time, it appeared that he’d prove to be a very useful signing for the club, with midfielders in short supply.
However, before the transfer deadline, Forest managed to get some deals over the line. Ibrahim Sangare and Nicolas Dominguez both arrived and that has hampered Santos.
Debate surrounding Santos loan at Forest
The Reds have come in the firing line over the fact that he’s not played in the Premier League. Furthermore, some stuff has been made about an incident on Sunday.
After Steve Cooper had called for Divock Origi and Chris Wood from the bench, it meant that Forest had used all five substitutes. Santos got up from the bench and headed straight down the tunnel.
Some supporters questioned whether or not that was out of order. Some chose to bash him without reason and after the game, Fabrizio Romano and The Athletic have been discussing his loan at Forest.
For those cynics, they ought to wind it in a bit. What people are failing to mention is that club captain Joe Worrall also headed down the tunnel after Forest had used all five substitutes.
It was nothing more than a standard procedure. Neither player was going to be used and they probably went to slip off their shinpads and pop their tracksuits back on.
Santos will get City Ground chance
The player is a burgeoning young talent. Chelsea had a number of requests from clubs this summer but the Blues felt that Forest was the best place for him.
Although they will want to see some return in the way of games, they won’t be panicking just yet. The season is still in its early stages and Santos will get game time.
Forest have a number of midfield options. Ryan Yates is still injured it would seem so that in itself presents an opportunity for Santos to take a place in the squad.
So much has been made of the fact that Santos hasn’t played for Forest just yet. Indeed, some of his own supporters seem hell-bent on creating unnecessary pressure on a young player.
People just need to remain patient with Santos at Forest. Head coach Steve Cooper is a master at working with young players and he will unleash him when he feels the time is right.
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