Former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna recently praised Malo Gusto of Chelsea, highlighting his potential to establish dominance as a right-back in the Premier League.
Gusto’s journey at Chelsea began just over a year ago when the club secured his services from Lyon for a substantial sum of £26.3 million. Initially, his role was expected to be limited due to Reece James’ presence, but unforeseen injuries provided Gusto with more playing time this season.
In recent matches, Gusto has emerged as one of Chelsea’s standout performers, prompting Sagna to express confidence in the young French defender’s ability to reach the pinnacle of his position in the Premier League.
Sagna remarked, “It’s beneficial for Chelsea to have both Malo Gusto and Reece James competing for the right-back position. Gusto possesses speed, agility, and exceptional one-on-one skills, traits that he displayed admirably during his time at Lyon. Therefore, his impressive performances at Chelsea come as no surprise to me.”
Despite his current success, Gusto’s potential remains untapped, especially as Chelsea undergoes a rebuilding phase in the seasons ahead. Sagna believes that if Gusto maintains his current level of performance throughout the season, he has the talent to emerge as the Premier League’s premier right-back.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino echoed Sagna’s sentiments, emphasizing Gusto’s rapid integration into the team despite initially being considered a young player in need of time to adapt. Pochettino acknowledged the challenges Gusto faced, including adjusting to life in a new country, adapting to the Premier League’s demands, and settling into the club’s environment.
Gusto’s progress has been hampered by injuries, leading Chelsea to occasionally deploy other players like Alfie Gilchrist or Axel Disasi in his position. However, Pochettino remains optimistic about Gusto’s future, particularly as he begins to showcase the skills expected of him.
Pochettino stated, “With consistent playing time, Gusto has the potential to become a dependable and influential player for us. His attacking prowess and forward-thinking approach are evident, although there are areas where he can still improve. Nonetheless, I am pleased with his overall performance and attitude.”
In essence, Gusto’s journey at Chelsea is a testament to his talent and potential, with both Sagna and Pochettino believing that he has what it takes to become a top-tier right-back in the Premier League with continued development and opportunity.
0 Comments