Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Even with Chelsea leaking goals right now, there are not too many complaints to make about new manager Xabi Alonso.
So far, it is three wins from three from the Chelsea boss, including two in the Premier League.
It means the Blues have a 100% record in the English top flight under Alonso, although that will come under real threat on Sunday afternoon when they travel to the Emirates. However, if there is one questionable thing that he has done, it is playing Malo Gusto in midfield.
With Enzo Fernandez gone and Lamine Camara staying at Monaco, who should partner Moises Caicedo in midfield this season?
Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson
Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson
Chelsea fans don’t want to see Malo Gusto in midfield
The reality is that a lot of us are not even fully convinced when Gusto plays at right-back, his main position.
The 23-year-old had a really strong debut season at Chelsea but showed some inconsistency the campaign after that and last term.
Watching him play in midfield has not made anyone any more convinced about the player, who simply does not have the right attributes to operate there.
In Alonso’s defence, he has lacked options this season. Moises Caicedo has had some injury problems, while Enzo Fernandez has now left the club for Manchester City.
Whatever the case, anyone who loves the game will not want to see Gusto pretending to be a midfielder and struggling in the position. Watching him invert under Enzo Maresca last season was painful enough!
Malo Gusto of Chelsea in action
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
What Chelsea’s midfield should be vs Arsenal
With Caicedo a doubt and Fernandez gone, Romeo Lavia is almost certain to start against Arsenal when Chelsea travel to the Emirates.
Lavia has always been a quality midfielder, the problem has been staying fit. He has made some improvement there under Alonso, though, and has started the season strongly, even scoring against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.
It is more about finding the Belgian a partner, then, which should be Reece James in Caicedo’s potential absence.
It is a big game, but James played in midfield against the Gunners last season and was superb there. Chelsea are tipping James to replace Fernandez, so do not be surprised to see him start in the engine room in Sunday’s London derby.