Malo Gusto scored points again this Sunday evening against Azerbaijan (1-3). Right side of Chelsea and originally from Décines-Charpieu in Lyon, he was overtaken on the opening score by Dashdamirov (1-0, 3rd), but quickly showed his resilience and his mentality. Indeed, in the 17th minute, he delivered a perfect cross for Mateta who equalized, then Gusto did it again in the 30th for Akliouche with another precise cross. Conqueror in duels and very active offensively and defensively, Gusto was elected man of the match and rated 7.5 in our columns. He could even have scored his first goal with the France team if Nkunku had not blocked his hand shot.
Gusto’s performance confirms his rise in power, as well as his ability to project himself onto his right flank, a point which distinguishes him from Jules Koundé. At Chelsea, he opened his club account against Wolverhampton, further underlining his successful start to the season. In Enzo Maresca’s system, he stands out as an essential element. Ibrahima Konaté, Blues teammate and Premier League opponent, praised his progress at a press conference: “I’m extremely happy for him. At Chelsea, he is taking up more and more space, he has a technical and physical impact on the pitch. » Scorer in the 30th, on a caviar from Gusto, Akliouche also congratulated his teammate after the match: “ Gusto was very available, he was very interesting and available for the team, he has all the qualities to bring with the group and today, we saw it “.
Malo Gusto puts pressure on Jules Koundé
This great form of the 22-year-old Frenchman puts direct pressure on Jules Koundé, whose start to the season with Barça is much more complicated. However, Didier Deschamps defended the Barcelona player at a press conference: “I’m not worried, he’s a player who has played a lot. His performances are linked to the club. Yes, he is less radiant, but his team is less efficient. He had a complicated preparation, he plays every 3-4 days, but I have confidence in his qualities. » Even if Koundé remains the indisputable holder, Gusto is now establishing himself as a credible alternative and is really gaining credit for the right-back position in the France team.
With relatively light competition on the right flank – Kalulu, Clauss and Pavard – Malo Gusto now appears to be an essential element of the France group. His recent career, between Chelsea and the Blues, shows that he can assume the role of Koundé’s understudy while providing an additional offensive dimension. During the last gathering, the main person remained humble, but ambitious: “I feel more and more comfortable in the group, I try to show what I can bring, so I do my best in every match and I hope to stay there. » Thanks to his performances against Azerbaijan and his excellent start to the season at Chelsea, Malo Gusto has almost secured his place for the 2026 World Cup.
