Former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna believes that Chelsea’s Malo Gusto has the potential to dominate the Premier League as a right-back, citing his speed, agility, and one-on-one skills. Gusto, who was acquired from Lyon for £26.3 million just over a year ago, has seen increased playing time due to injuries to Reece James. Despite his young age of 20, Gusto has impressed as one of Chelsea’s standout performers recently, prompting Sagna to express confidence in his ability to excel in the league.
Sagna remarked that it’s beneficial for Chelsea to have Gusto and James competing for the right-back position, highlighting Gusto’s impressive performances at Lyon and stating that it’s no surprise to see him thrive at Chelsea given his skill set. Looking ahead, Sagna believes that Gusto can further improve as Chelsea undergoes a rebuilding phase, suggesting that he has the talent to become the best right-back in the Premier League if he maintains his current level of performance.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino acknowledged Gusto’s rapid progression within the team, noting that while the original plan was for Gusto to gradually integrate into the squad as a 19-year-old newcomer from France, circumstances forced him to step up earlier than expected due to injuries. Pochettino emphasized Gusto’s resilience in adapting to the challenges of playing in a new league and country while dealing with injuries, expressing optimism about his continued development and contribution to the team.
Despite Gusto’s occasional injuries, Pochettino praised his attacking prowess and forward movement, acknowledging areas where he can still improve but expressing satisfaction with his overall performance and attitude on the pitch. Pochettino emphasized the importance of Gusto gaining more playing time to further refine his skills and become a dependable asset for Chelsea.
