The 27-year-old has been a standout performer for the Brazilians this season, registering four goals and seven assists across 22 appearances in all competitions — including three goals and five assists in the CAF Champions League.
Santos provided two assists in Friday night’s 3-0 victory over Stade Malien in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
Speaking ahead of facing Marumo Gallants in a Betway Premiership encounter at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday, the in-form attacker admitted the style of football in South Africa is different to what he is used to but feels he has settled in well.
“I’m enjoying it a lot since I’ve been here, but it’s a completely different football than in Europe, but I think I’ve adapted pretty well,” Santos said in the Citizen.
“Obviously, there’s a difference to the game here and we as Europeans struggle a little bit in the beginning, but I think I’m enjoying myself and my teammates also helped me a lot and all of the coaching staff.”
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“That’s one of the aspects which is different in South Africa than in Europe, there are a lot of duels,” Santos added.
“There is also the pitch which doesn’t help and that makes the game have more duels. I’m an offensive player and I always will be but I’m trying to improve that (defensive) part as well.
“I think people nowadays want players who can do everything. They want players to assist, score and win duels, but we’re all different.
“Especially at Sundowns where we have players that can defend, pass, assist and score. I’m an offensive player and I’m obviously not going to be the best defender in the world but I give my best in every game and I think I’m improving as well,” he said.