Chelsea fullback Malo Gusto put in another strong display during the 4-0 win over Preston North End in the FA Cup on Saturday.
The Frenchman was initially deployed on the left flank by manager Mauricio Pochettino before switching to his more natural side on the right midway through the second half. Supporters on X were impressed by Gusto’s ability to make an impact on either wing, with many believing he was the team’s best player on the night:
Gusto is a really special player. Each time I watch him I’m grateful he came to us. Reece James needs to find a way to stay fit or else this dude might just be the reason he’s sold eventually
— Jay (@rukeji) January 6, 2024
9/10.
Top performance, man. 👏— Tom-Pius (@iamtompius) January 6, 2024
My Man of the Match
— West Africa (@CFCprince5) January 6, 2024
He’s Top, doesn’t get the hype he deserves
— Reece (@IyyyyyyyyyCFC) January 6, 2024
Mahn was everywhere
— Minzi Malulu (@MikieManjale) January 6, 2024
Reece James will have big fight on his hands when he is healthy.
There is a GUSTO to Malo’s game. What a signing!— FootballXtraSite (@FootballSXSite) January 6, 2024
This guy is good…I don’t know what else to say but he’s cooking 🧑🍳
— Timmy (@akptims) January 6, 2024
Gusto has taken full advantage of Reece James’ absence
With Pochettino having selected James as captain at the start of the season, it didn’t bode well for Gusto in terms of getting game time.
However, James has spent most of the campaign on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, and his loss has very much been Gusto’s gain.
The Chelsea defender has also shown his flexibility
The 20-year-old has impressed at right-back when called upon but, due to injuries on the left-hand side of defence, Pochettino has had to deploy him out of position on a number of occasions in recent weeks.
Gusto hasn’t been perturbed by that switch, though. That was demonstrated again at the weekend when he produced a superb cross from the left wing to set up Armando Broja for the opening goal.
