Chelsea haven’t been at their best in recent weeks, but one player has excelled in a new role.
It’s now two wins on the bounce for the Blues after a torrid start to the month.
Things were looking quite bleak prior to a crucial win over Everton at the weekend. Enzo Maresca was in the hotseat at Chelsea and many players were being criticised for shrinking in certain games.
Not everyone has been experiencing a dip in form. One player has actually been playing the best football of his Chelsea career, but Troy Deeney still isn’t convinced.
Malo Gusto scores for Chelsea vs Everton
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Troy Deeney doesn’t rate Chelsea’s Malo Gusto
It’s quite bizarre how Malo Gusto went nearly three years without scoring a goal for Chelsea, then scored two in quick succession.
The second came in the Blues’ most recent Premier League outing, along with an assist to Cole Palmer.
Gusto was the star performer against Everton, and has looked a different player in recent weeks with Maresca trusting him more and more. Despite that, Deeney told BBC Sport that he can’t give in to the hype.
He said: “I’m not the biggest lover of this fella if I’m being honest. I can’t work out why I don’t rate him but I just don’t.
“But credit where credit is due – he scored a good goal and played well against Everton – who were poor. He seems to be stepping up. A goal and an assist. I have to be as fair as I can.”
That was Deeney reluctantly naming the Chelsea star in his Team of the Week. He’s not Gusto’s biggest fan, but he should watch the games with an open mind.
START, BENCH, SELL: Marc Cucurella, Reece James and Malo Gusto
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella coming on for Malo Gusto
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Which order are you going with? 🤔
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Gusto and James in midfield
In a way, Maresca is damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t — that’s in terms of using Reece James and Gusto as midfielders.
When results are going Chelsea’s way, like in the Arsenal game or the Everton game, it’s a stroke of genius from the Italian. Otherwise, it’s too much rotation, confusing tactics and the ire of a large portion of the fanbase.
Are you happy with Enzo Maresca as Chelsea manager?
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The two are showing themselves to be technically up to task for numerous roles, and shouldn’t be slandered when it doesn’t go their way.
Gusto is one of the most underrated Chelsea signings of the past few years, and he is starting to show it further up the pitch. If he keeps performing like he has in recent weeks, Deeney will need to rethink his stance.
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