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Liam Rosenior has been in the Chelsea job for over two months now, but even he sometimes forgets how old his only players are, and that was the case with Malo Gusto.
Chelsea have plenty of exciting players in their ranks, thanks to a youth policy that has at times caused issues under the new ownership.
The likes of Estevao Willian, Andrey Santos and Mamadou Sarr are just a few to name.
However, the lack of experience from the model has proved fatal at times this season. Even Axel Disasi pointed at Thiago Silva’s exit as a turning point for Chelsea.
BlueCo’s policy in itself could work, it’s just they need to be more flexible with older signings.
Nevertheless, Liam Rosenior is liking what he’s seeing from his young players.
Cole Palmer may be Chelsea’s best signing under BlueCo, but who’s your favourite?
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images Liam Rosenior has just found out how old Malo Gusto is
Malo Gusto has been a regular starter under Liam Rosenior, but even he wasn’t aware of how old the defender is, despite spending almost every day with him.
Speaking ahead of the PSG clash (via Kieran Gill), the Chelsea boss highlighted the sheer potential of the right-back, having seen how he operates at the club.
“It doesn’t matter the age. I love working with young players. I’m very excited. Malo (Gusto) told me how old he is on the car on the way here.
“The potential of this guy… 22? It’s a joy working with them every day.”
Who are you starting on the left vs PSG?
Malo Gusto’s exciting potential
Malo Gusto’s potential at Chelsea has shifted from a promising backup to a key of the club’s long-term project. Despite being just 22, the Frenchman plays with a technical security and defensive grit that often belies his age, so you can understand Rosenior’s surprise.
Under Rosenior’s guidance, Gusto has flourished into a new role, frequently drifting into the pocket as an inverted playmaker or going wide to provide his trademark whipped crosses.
His underlying numbers, particularly in ball recoveries and progressive carries, suggest a ceiling that could see him become the premier right-back in world football.
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