Chelsea should target Malo Gusto for the rightback department

Chelsea has had to play a number of players at right back or right wingback, most notably Cesar Azpilicueta, in the absence of Reece James. James has been Chelsea’s first choice right back and right wingback since the 2019/20 season, but he has missed quite a few games to injury since then too. Chelsea skipper Azpilicueta was linked to FC Barcelona at the beginning of the season, but the Blues extended the Spaniard, practically putting an end to Barcelona’s pursuit of the CFC captain.

Azpilicueta is 33 years-old now, and while he has been giving his all every time he has played, and had very good performances often, the Blues need to freshen up that side, as Azpilicueta is not able to deal with the physical demands of playing as an aggressive right wingback to the level he was once able to.

This is why Todd Boehly should target Olympique Lyon’s French right back Malo Gusto. Gusto has some standout attributes that would work well in this Chelsea team, and he has the potential to fight for and secure a starting spot as well if he has outstanding performances.

Gusto has very good tackling numbers, winning 2.1 tackles per game, at a 68 per cent success rate. He also has outstanding interception numbers, making an impressive 1.5 interceptions per game this season. He’s won 4.3 ground duels per game at a 56% win rate. These numbers show tenacity and intelligence in a defender. He would bring some defensive bite to the team in the absence of Reece James.