Malo Gusto
CHEFrance
Right
May 19, 2003
22
5'10"
148 lb
RB
LB
Possession Builder
ChelseaDelivers assist in win
Gusto delivered one assist to go with two chances created in Saturday's 7-0 FA Cup quarterfinal win over Port Vale.
Analysis: Gusto was all over Chelsea's buildup in this one, winning the corner that led to Jorrel Hato's opener and then whipping in a dangerous ball from the right that Tosin Adarabioyo buried for the fourth goal in the 57th minute. He closed with two chances created and one interception across 85 minutes before coming off late, turning in a steady shift down the right side. Gusto had been capped at one half in each of his previous two appearances for the Blues, but after featuring for France and then going nearly the distance Saturday, he looks fully back to full fitness.
Clears illness
Gusto trained fully in recent days and is an option for Saturday's clash against Everton, according to the club.
Analysis: Gusto was back in full training over the past few days and is set to be available for Saturday's clash against Everton, giving the Blues a major boost at the right time. He has been a locked-in starter all season, consistently holding down his role in the lineup. With Reece James (hamstring) sidelined by an injury, his return comes at a crucial moment and should play a big part in stabilizing the back line over the upcoming fixtures.
Battling illness
Gusto is questionable for Tuesday's match against PSG due to an illness, according to manager Liam Rosenior. "Elsewhere, Malo is ill today. We'll have a look at him for tomorrow and make a call on him."
Analysis: Gusto will need some testing and will be a late call for Tuesday, as the defender suffers from an illness. With another full-back in Reece James (hamstring), out for the time being, this will be something to monitor, as Gusto would be almost a sure starter if fit. That said, Marc Cucurella should start at left-back regardless, with Josh Acheampong likely to start at right-back if Gusto is not deemed fit enough.
Nets one goal
Gusto scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Wednesday's 5-2 loss against Paris Saint-Germain.
Analysis: Gusto scored one goal in Wednesday's 5-2 loss against PSG, finding the net in the first half to equalize after a quick attacking move on an assist from Enzo Fernandez. The right-back was one of the few bright spots, contributing offensively while continuing to push forward from his defensive position, while also recording four tackles and three interceptions defensively. The Frenchman has now scored one goal and provided one assist while adding 13 tackles and 14 interceptions across seven Champions League appearances this season.
Clinical assist in win
Gusto assisted once to go with three crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 4-1 win versus Aston Villa.
Analysis: Gusto's driven ball across the six-yard box opened the scoring Wednesday for Chelsea as they ran roughshod over Aston Villa in a 4-1 road victory. In addition to his assist, the fullback contributed two tackles (one won) and one interception to the defensive effort across his 75 minutes of play. Gusto has been named to the Chelsea starting XI in four of their last five Premier League clashes.
Contributes at both ends
Gusto recorded two shots (zero on goal), seven crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 1-0 victory versus Pafos.
Analysis: Gusto delivered a solid two-way performance against Pafos on Wednesday, contributing offensively with two shots, one key pass and a season-high seven crosses, though without end product, while also adding one tackle and three interceptions defensively. The fullback is enjoying a solid season but remains in competition for the right-back role and appears to start mainly when Reece James is unavailable or deployed in midfield.
Starts in UCL play
Gusto (undisclosed) is in the starting XI for Wednesday's match against Pafos.
Analysis: Gusto has worked his way back into the team after training this week, with the defender already fit to reclaim his spot at right-back. He should remain in this role moving forward when fit and appears to be preferred by new manager Liam Rosenior, starting in both appearances since his appointment.
Spotted in team training
Gusto (undisclosed) was spotted in team training on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash againt Pafos, according to Bobby Vincent from Football London.
Analysis: Gusto missed the last two games due to some pain but seems to have recovered from the issue since he was spotted training with the team on Tuesday after training individually at the end of last week. Gusto could be an option for Wednesday's Champions League clash againt Pafos, although he will unlikely be rushed back into the starting squad due to the matchup. When fully back fit, Gusto is expected to find back his starting role for Chelsea.
Not an option
Gusto (undisclosed) trained individually on Friday and is not an option for Saturday's clash against Brentford, coach Liam Rosenior said in the press conference, according to Bobby Vincent from Football London. "Malo was out on the field today [Thursday] and doing his individual work, so we're going to have to assess him some more. I can't put a time frame on it because there is no time frame. It's more of a pain issue. So when he feels comfortable, that's when he'll be back with the group."
Analysis: Gusto is dealing with some pain and trained on his own on the grass on Friday. The Frenchman will be an option for the squad once he could clear the issue and feel more comfortable. Until then, Reece James is expected to get a larger role in the starting squad under new coach Liam Rosenior.
Could miss out again
Gusto is likely to miss out on Wednesday's Carabao Cup match against Arsenal, according to manager Liam Rosenior. "I'll make a decision on Cole, Reece and Malo tomorrow; I'm giving them some extra time. I appreciate that doing the press conference two days before is not ideal - sorry about that - but I've got time to make a decision [as to whether they are available]."
Analysis: Gusto was already missing from Saturday's FA Cup match as a precaution and is heading for the same fate Wednesday, with the defender to be tested ahead of the match. That said, he appears to be more likely to miss out, with the club focusing on his health over the first leg of the contest. He will likely eye a return against Brentford on Saturday if he misses out Wednesday, starting in the last three games he was an option for.
Doesn't play as precaution
Gusto was not an option for Saturday's 5-1 win over Charlton as a precaution, according to manager Liam Rosenior, per Nizaar Kinsella of the BBC.
Analysis: Gusto was not with the team for their FA Cup match Saturday but does look to still be fit after only missing out to be cautious after picking up a tweak against Fulham. However, he is likely work his way back into the team as they head towards The Jan. 17 match against Brentford. The full-back will likely plan to train during the week, securing his spot for a return and potentially earning back starting time immediately.
Spotted limping after game
Gusto (undisclosed) was spotted limping after Wednesday's 2-1 loss against Fulham, according to Bobby Vincent from Football London.
Analysis: Gusto was subbed off in the 76th minute of Wednesday's defeat against the Cottagers and was seen limping after the game. The Frenchman will need to be assessed and his situation monitored, as it remains unclear for the time being whether he suffered an injury or simply experienced cramp. That said, if Gusto had to miss some time, Reece James will likely start at right back in his place until he returns.
Two goal contributions in victory
Gusto scored one goal and assisted once from two shots and two chances created in Saturday's 2-0 win against Everton.
Analysis: Gusto was central to both goals against the Toffees on Saturday, first releasing Cole Palmer with a neat through ball for the 21st minute opener. He then doubled the lead right before halftime, timing his run into the box to meet Pedro Neto's low pull back and finish past Jordan Pickford. His energy down the right side gave Chelsea constant forward thrust while still recovering well in transition, with a season high four clearances to conclude his brilliant shift. Gusto also targeted both of his shots for the first time this season, while tying a season high with two chances created as well.
Nets goal vs Wolves
Gusto scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and three crosses (one accurate) in Saturday's 3-0 win over Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Gusto recorded his first goal of the season in another solid outing for the Blues. In just the last two games, the defender has collected four interceptions, two tackles won, four successful dibbles and two key passes in two straight starts.
Clears suspension
Gusto is no longer suspended and is an option moving forward for the club.
Analysis: Gusto has served his suspension following his straight red card against Nottingham Forest and is set to return in the next contest. The defender could return straight into the starting XI for the Blues since he started the last three games prior to his suspension, two in the midfield and one at right-back.
Sees red Saturday
Gusto was shown a pair of yellow cards and sent off during Satuday's clash with Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Gusto saw a pair of yellow cards and was handed his marching orders in the opening final part of Saturday's clash against Forest. He will be suspended for at least one match, which will likely give Reece James a greater role.
Assists against Liverpool
Gusto assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Liverpool.
Analysis: Gusto provided an assist on his only chance created during Saturday's win over reigning-Champions Liverpool. The defender was always going to be a bit stifled offensively, but he was efficient, making the most of his chances to get forward. In the end he set up a crucial goal as Chelsea earned a narrow win prior to the international break. Gusto could be in for even more minutes after Reece James (undisclosed) was forced to withdraw from the England squad due to injury.
Provides assist in defeat
Gusto assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 3-1 defeat versus Bayern Munich.
Analysis: Gusto played the final pass in the one-two sequence with Cole Palmer ahead of Chelsea's lone goal in Wednesday's Champions League clash against Bayern. The right-back completed the full 90 minutes and was active overlapping while also contributing in defense with two tackles, four interceptions and three crosses.
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