Andrey Santos carries himself with the maturity of a player far older and more experienced. It's why it's easy to forget he's just 21 years old and still adapting to the demands and expectations of being a Chelsea player.
Since returning to west London this summer after an impressive loan spell at Strasbourg, during which he often captained the Ligue 1 side, Santos has featured regularly under Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca.
The Brazilian has made 15 appearances thus far and has showcased his versatility by being utilised in a variety of midfield roles by the Blues' head coach.
Yet when asked what he feels is his best role in today's pre-match press conference ahead of our Champions League clash against Qarabag, Andrey delivered a response in keeping with the level-headedness and understanding he has shown throughout his young career.
‘It’s a hard question because when I was young, I always played as a six, but here in the Premier League it’s a little bit different,’ the Brazil international explained. ‘But I can play in both positions, six or eight.
‘I think the most important thing is helping Chelsea, and helping the coach and my team-mates too. If the coach wants me to play like a six, I will do my best. If he wants me to play like an eight, I will do my best too.’
The 21-year-old netted his first goal for the Blues in our 4-3 Carabao Cup win away at fellow Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers last week. Combined with his seven top-flight appearances, it was a further sign of his adaptation to the highest level of English football.
Andrey Santos' first taste of the Premier League came during a brief loan at Nottingham Forest as a teenager, but the midfielder believes he is now better prepared for the demands of playing in the top-flight.
‘I’m very happy to be here at Chelsea and in the Premier League. It’s a big competition and, for me, the hardest in the world,’ Santos continued.
‘It’s so hard to play in the Premier League and I’m so happy to come back here with my adaptation to the Premier League.
‘I was there at Forest when I was 19 years old, so I was very young. I feel now I’m more ready to play in the Premier League.’
His adaptation at Chelsea has been helped by the presence of several other South American players, including fellow midfielder Moises Caicedo, who has established himself as one of the most accomplished players in his position in world football.
‘I’m so happy to play with Moi,’ added Andrey. ‘He is incredible. When I arrived here, he’s always told me to keep training hard, keep improving.
‘I did and now I’m so happy to see Moi improve, improve, improve. So he is amazing and I’m so happy to train with him and play with him too.’