France boss Didier Deschamps highlights the area where Chelsea defender Malo Gusto can improve
France manager Didier Deschamps has highlighted defending as the key area where new call-up and Chelsea star Malo Gusto needs to improve in an interview with football.london.
The 20-year-old right-back received his first senior Les Bleus selection this week for upcoming games against Denmark and Austria. It remains to be seen if the Blues ace will get his first taste of senior football for Les Bleus.
Malo Gusto has impressed for Chelsea since arriving from Lyon in the summer, despite the Blues’ struggles. He has filled in admirably at right-back due to Reece James‘ injury issues. His form led to Deschamps bringing Gusto into the national team fold. But the France boss acknowledges the youngster still has room for growth.
When announcing Gusto’s selection, Deschamps specifically pointed to defense as something the full-back must work on.
“He is a very young player, but he can play at right-back, he has played as a winger, and he has played at full-back as well. Already at Lyon, he showed great things. At Chelsea, there is more significant competition, even if he has been helped by an injury to their usual starter (Reece James). He has areas of his game to work on, and he knows that he can improve defensively. But he is a young player who already finds himself at Chelsea, and he has potential which promises further progression in the months to come.”
The manager elaborated that while Gusto has shown promise getting forward, his defensive skills lag behind at this stage of his career. Deschamps will hope Gusto can use his time with the national team to learn from more experienced defenders like Raphael Varane and Jules Kounde.
Gusto initially joined France’s U21 squad during this international break. But injuries to Jules Kounde and Axel Disasi opened the door for a surprise senior call-up. The onus is now on him to make the most of the opportunity.
The Chelsea right-back has wasted no time ingratiating himself with his new teammates. For his initiation, Gusto performed a rousing rendition of Désolé by Sexion d’Assaut. His singing sparked a passionate response, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe and other veterans joining in. They offered Gusto rapturous applause after his turn in front of the squad.
While Gusto’s initiation was a hit, he faces the tougher challenge of winning the trust of Deschamps in defense. The manager’s comments make it clear shoring up the backline is Gusto’s top priority. Strong performances for France could fast-track Gusto’s defensive development alongside the team’s elite veterans.
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For now, Gusto must set aside his musical talents and focus on proving to Deschamps his defending can match his obvious potential going forward.