Chema matures quickly to become a key player for Hurzeler

Main Club Sponsor

TICKETS

SHOP

Head coach admits his Spanish midfielder's quick adaptation to the Premier League has surprised him.

Bruce Talbot

2026-10-21T06:00+01:00

Chema Andres keeps his eye on the ball during Sunday's win over Crystal Palace. 📷Paul Hazlewood.

Chema Andres is showing maturity beyond his years as he makes an impressive start to his Albion career.

The 21-year-old Spanish midfielder, who was signed at the end of the summer transfer window from Bundesliga club vFB Stuttgart, hasn’t looked back since making his debut in last month’s 5-0 win over Coventry City.

He made his first start a few days later when Albion knocked Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup and has started the Premier League wins over Arsenal, Sunderland and Crystal Palace since then.

“I see in him a natural leader and a competitor, although he's very young,” said head coach Fabian Hurzeler.

Chema Andres celebrates after scoring his first goal against Arsenal last month. 📷James Boardman

“What surprises me and what impresses me the most is how mature and how big is his motivation for improvement.

“Eevery day he wants to improve and besides that he's a really good person, who takes care of his teammates.

“He really tries to understand the culture he's in now. He’s tried to integrate as quickly as possible. He’s a very impressive personality who has now had a few good games.”

So far so good, but Hurzeler knows that every player’s development is not always made in an upward trajectory.

“Of course, we try to help him to keep going like this. But also we have to be patient," he added.

"He has had a really good start for us and this was something we didn't expect, but we try to stay humble with him as well. We try to give him the right platform where we can improve every day.”