Chelsea’s recent victory over Everton wasn’t just another three points; it showcased the emergence of a player quietly becoming indispensable – Malo Gusto.
The young French international delivered a performance that caught the eye of Premier League legend Alan Shearer, who unequivocally named Gusto as Chelsea’s standout player in the 2-0 win.
Gusto didn’t just contribute defensively; he actively shaped the attack, providing a crucial assist for Cole Palmer and then adding a goal of his own, demonstrating a dynamic skillset.
Shearer highlighted Gusto’s intelligent movement and tactical flexibility, noting how he linked seamlessly with Palmer and created overloads in midfield alongside Reece James.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca echoed the praise, expressing his delight at Gusto seizing his opportunity and contributing directly to the team’s success with both an assist and a goal.
Maresca’s tactical approach, utilizing Gusto and James as inverted full-backs, proved effective, showcasing the players’ versatility and ability to adapt to different roles on the pitch.
The manager emphasized his belief in Gusto and James’ quality, stating that good players are capable of excelling in multiple positions, blurring the lines between defense and midfield.
While Gusto’s performance shone brightly, Maresca also lauded Cole Palmer, declaring him Chelsea’s most impactful player despite recent injury setbacks that have kept him sidelined for a significant portion of the season.
Maresca pointed to the team’s resilience, highlighting their ability to perform admirably even while missing key players like Moises Caicedo and Palmer for extended periods.
Looking ahead, Chelsea faces Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, but Palmer is expected to be rested, allowing Gusto and others to continue building momentum.
The win against Everton wasn’t simply a result; it was a statement about Chelsea’s growing depth and the exciting potential of players like Malo Gusto.