Robbie Mustoe has admitted that Chelsea’s Malo Gusto is a lot quicker than he initially thought.
Malo Gusto, 20, is enjoying a pretty strong debut season in Chelsea colours.
The young right-back joined from Lyon in a £26 million deal (Sky Sports) last summer, which is beginning to look more and more like a transfer bargain.
He’s already weighed in with six assists in 24 Blues appearances from the full-back position.
His latest performance in the weekend’s 1-1 draw away to Manchester City earned him big praise, too. Speaking via Chelsea’s 5th Stand App (7:25pm, 17 February), Jason Cundy applauded Gusto for his top display at the Etihad Stadium.
Robbie Mustoe, the pundit on NBC Sports, has admitted his shock at Gusto’s pace. Also, he’s full of praise for his improvement during his first year in English football.
“Malo Gusto, the French full-back that’s in the team now as Reece James is out injured, is getting better and better every week I see him,” Mustoe told NBC Sports.
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“First off is not questioned, his technical ability. Very skilful. Good decision maker.
“What has surprised me is his pace, his defensive one-on-one situations.
“… Malo Gusto is adjusting lovely. At his age, I think there’s a bright future for this guy.”
Malo Gusto is quick
We’re glad to see Gusto’s beginning to get a bit more praise from parts of the media.
In fairness, we’ve absolutely loved what we’ve seen from the French defender so far at Stamford Brigde.
Yes, there’s been the odd occasion that he’s looked a bit raw. But we’re talking about a 20-year-old talent!
He’s largely held his own against proven attackers on a weekly basis. In particular, we love the aggression he shows with his defensive work.
Gusto does give Chelsea a great forward outlet when he’s flying down the right channel with his pace and energy, so his importance on this XI is growing every week.
It’s going to become very difficult to leave him on the bench when club captain Reece James is back fit again. The fact Gusto can cover at left-back, or James can play multiple positions, may give the manager something to ponder.
