Chelsea youngsters Andrey Santos and Kendry Paez shine with match-winning performances

Robin Bairner

• 13 May 2024 02:15 CDT
• 3 min read

Sunday was a good day for Chelsea’s young players, with Andrey Santos and Kendry Paez both playing match-winning roles for their respective clubs.

Santos is on loan at Strasbourg from the Blues and was the decisive factor as the Ligue 1 side edged their derby match 2-1 against Metz.

It took a couple of late goals for Patrick Vieira’s side to get the win, with the Brazilian midfielder heading home the winner from close range in stoppage time at the end of the game.

After the match, the 20-year-old took to X to tweet: “Great derby win, happy for the goal! Thanks God!”

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Following the victory, Fabrizio Romano dropped an update on the future of a player who had an unhappy start to the season at Nottingham Forest and even struggled to settle in France initially after that loan deal was cut short.

“Chelsea are very happy with Andrey Santos development as he scored key goal in injury time vs Metz,” he said.

“He’s also been voted Player of the Month for April after his performances at Strasbourg.

“New loan to the BlueCo club will be discussed with player and agents soon.”

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Kendry Paez stars again

Kendry Paez also gave a vital performance for Independiente del Valle as the young Ecuador striker continues to shine in South America before completing his transfer to Chelsea next summer after he has turned 18.

Although the teenager was left on the bench for Sunday’s match against El Nacional, he came on for the final 30 minutes and changed the course of the game.

A penalty in the 85th minute levelled the match at 1-1 while he also delivered an assist to fellow replacement Renato Ibrahim a couple of minutes later to secure a victory for his side that keeps them at the top of LigaPro table.