Chema Andrés: The new Rodri that Real Madrid let go

Perhaps it is due to the way he wears his shirt tucked into his trousers, or because both stand at a height of 1.90 meters, or because they are Spaniards who have experienced playing in the Premier League, or due to their ability to control matches from the midfield base, along with influencing results with goals and assists. Whatever the reason, some voices in southern England are starting to talk about Chema Andrés, the young Brighton player, as the 'new Rodri Hernández'.

Despite his transfer to Brighton being announced on the last day of the summer transfer window with little fanfare, the Real Madrid academy graduate did not take long to make his mark with the English team.

Chema Andrés is 21 years old, and after spending years in the Real Madrid academy, he has played 3 matches for the first team during the 2024-2025 season, including two matches in LaLiga and one match in the Copa del Rey, before moving to the Bundesliga and then to the Premier League, in search of a greater opportunity to prove himself.

Brighton is the new destination for the Spanish player, in a club that has become known in recent years for developing young talents and giving them the space to shine, under the management of Fabian Hürtsler. Chema Andrés needed less than a month to earn praise from the Amex Stadium crowd, as he quickly became one of the influential players in the team.

Chema Andrés made his debut for Brighton against Coventry, where he played for 25 minutes and provided an assist. Just three days later, he earned his first start for Brighton, facing Manchester United in the English League Cup, where he helped his team secure a thrilling 3-2 victory at Old Trafford, knocking the Red Devils out of the competition.

Chema Andrés made another appearance in the starting lineup just three days later, this time in the Premier League against Arsenal, delivering one of his standout performances since arriving in England.

The Spanish midfielder not only excelled in playmaking and acting as the key link in front of the defense but also scored Brighton's third goal against Arsenal, confirming his team's emphatic victory with a score of 3-0.

Chema Andrés scored in the 57th minute with a header from a set piece, contributing to Brighton's victory on the day the club celebrated its 125th anniversary.

On an individual level, the player delivered an outstanding performance in terms of organization, positioning, and defense, having made two interceptions, regained seven balls, and won all five aerial duels he contested with a success rate of 100%.

In 200 minutes wearing the Brighton shirt, including 110 minutes in the Premier League, the 21-year-old player has justified the €23 million transfer fee paid to VfB Stuttgart on September 1.

The deal was completed in the final moments of the transfer window, with Real Madrid receiving €11.5 million after retaining 50% of the player's rights, following his move to VfB Stuttgart in 2025 for €3 million.

As the Spanish player makes an impressive start in England, some voices are beginning to question Real Madrid's decision to part ways with him, especially given the team's current need for a player capable of controlling the pace of matches and fulfilling the role of a defensive midfielder.

Journalist Miguel Delaney, from the "Independent", directly questioned: "How can Real Madrid let Chema Andrés go, if he is exactly the player they need right now?"

After a strong start in the English pitches, Chema Andrés is increasingly catching attention, with comparisons growing between him and Rodri, one of the standout Spanish midfielders in recent years.

As Real Madrid seeks more solutions in midfield, "the new Rodri" continues to write exciting chapters in his early career in the Premier League.