2025 was a big year for Chelsea.
Enzo Maresca’s first full calendar year at Stamford Bridge has seen two trophies won and enough improvement throughout the squad for BlueCo’s project to start making sense.
Some new signings have flown out the gates straight away. Some have yet to find their feet.
But out of all the players who have been at Chelsea all 12 months of 2025, one can be particularly happy with how he has progressed.
Malo Gusto playing for Chelsea
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Malo Gusto has reached new levels at Chelsea in 2025
It’s fair to say Malo Gusto had his doubters at the start of the year.
He’s coming up to three years at Chelsea, but he looks like a player renewed under Maresca.
The last couple of months have been the best of Gusto’s career, and he has been a manager’s dream with the tactical versatility he offers across multiple positions.
He has finally added goals to his game, so it’s no wonder he’s getting consistent minutes.
Malo Gusto is becoming a regular in front of goal!
Has Malo Gusto earned a regular starting spot, even with Reece James available?
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Chelsea considered Bayern Munich’s interest in Gusto over the summer, but he has more than justified the decision to keep him at the club.
More to come from Gusto in 2026
There’s no reason why the Frenchman can’t keep getting better in the new year.
Maresca wants to use Reece James as a midfielder more and more, which could mean Gusto takes the starting right-back role on an even more regular basis.
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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He can also start in midfield in certain games.
Gusto is an underrated defender and can usually handle the matchup in front of him, but it will be his attacking output that determines just how large a role he will have over the next 12 months.
Judging by recent performances, there’s no reason why he won’t push on.
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