Malo Gusto played a huge role in Chelsea getting back to winning ways on Saturday.
Enzo Maresca’s men were on a run of four games without a victory, but their winless streak came to an end following a 2-0 triumph over Everton at Stamford Bridge.
Gusto scored and assisted in a 9/10 performance for the Blues, who saw Cole Palmer grab their other goal.
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But that was not the only reason why Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer was impressed with the full-back.
Former footballers Alan Shearer and Dion Dublin smile while holding BBC Sport microphones
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Alan Shearer impressed with Malo Gusto’s link-up play on the right and movement into midfield
Shearer thought that Gusto combined really well with Palmer and Pedro Neto on the right-hand side. He also thought that the 22-year-old was very good at moving into midfield when necessary.
On Gusto’s performance against Everton, Shearer said via BBC Sport: “Malo Gusto was the stand-out Chelsea player for me… not just in terms of the obvious with the goal and assist but also the questions he posed for Everton… linking up with Palmer and Neto down the right but also moving into midfield alongside James to create the extra man when needed.”
For as good as he was on Saturday, Gusto is not taking all of the credit for Chelsea’s win.
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Following the full-time whistle, Gusto was quick to praise Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana, highlighting their roles in the victory.
With Chelsea’s next game being against Cardiff City in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup, you would now expect Gusto and James to get some rest.
If Gusto and James are left out of the first XI for that game, Josh Acheampong is likely to get the nod to start in the right-back position.
Malo Gusto of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Everton
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Malo Gusto has finally adapted to role in Enzo Maresca’s team
Moving into midfield is something that Gusto has had to do quite often under Maresca, with the Chelsea head coach keen for at least one of his full-backs to come inside.
It is not always something that Gusto has found easy. There have been times when the Frenchman has inverted into midfield and ended up losing the ball because of a bad pass, for example.
However, he is now starting to look really comfortable in his role, misplacing just seven passes out of 67 against Everton. As per Sofascore, that gives the France international a pass success rate of 90%.
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