Racing Strasbourg Alsace has undergone fundamental changes this season. Under new owner Bruco, the team was given
the task of attracting young players and working with English club Chelsea to promote both teams’ success in the sport. At the beginning of the season,
many might have thought that the ties between the two clubs would strengthen, but until January, only Angelo Gabriel played for the Alsatian team.
The young striker performed reasonably well and was awarded Ligue 1’s Young Player of the Month award in September,
but his absence through injury has meant that the young side is struggling with a relegation battle. “I had to come out on my own.”
At least that was the case before Andrei Santos arrived. The 19-year-old spent the first half of the season on loan at
England side Nottingham Forest, but struggled to attract attention there, despite playing for his former club Vasco da Gama in Brazil.
He therefore arrived in Strasbourg in a state of mystery. Although successful in his home country, he was still young and had no experience in Europe.
Although he arrived on the appointed day, he actually joined the club in mid-February after completing international duty with the Brazilian Olympic team.
Since then, he has played less, playing just 30 minutes in the first four games and coming on as a substitute in two of those games.
But everything changed just before the international break. Vieira, who was facing numerous suspensions (Junior Mwanga, Ibrahim Sissoko) and injuries, offered Santos a starting spot at Nantes.
The stakes couldn’t be higher and a loss against the Canaries could see Racing drop to the bottom three.
To say the least, Santos responded to Vieira’s 3-4-3 formation with an admirable performance, playing like a skilled midfielder from box to box.
Showing his strength, work ethic and ability to keep the ball at his feet, he brought incredible dynamism to the team’s midfield and his contribution helped the team to an important 3-1 win.
After the national team break, the situation changed. After a home win against European rivals Rennes, followed by a tough draw in Toulouse, Racing picked up seven points from the three games in which Santos started.
He will likely rejoin the team against Reims this afternoon, but his strong performance is the result of his growing confidence and adaptation to a new country and language.
