"Reece James is one of the best players in his position": Chelsea's Malo Gusto

Chelsea signed the youngster in January 2023

The France U21 international, Malo Gusto, was acquired by Chelsea in January 2023 for a total of €40 million. However, he spent the final six months of the previous campaign on loan at Lyon in the Ligue 1. Given the competition against Reece James and his relative inexperience, many people were surprised that he chose to join Chelsea despite having played 61 times for OL.

James is now injured, so Gusto has the right back position under lockdown. He also discussed the Lyon supporters' response to his leaving.

When asked about his decision to go into direct competition with James he said, "I’m not stupid or crazy. I knew before coming that Reece James is one of the best players in his position. We get on very well. He talks to me a lot. We are in a big club, there must be good players in each position. The reason I chose Chelsea is because I have a plan. I know what I’m doing."

When asked about the reaction of Lyon fans to academy graduates leaving the club, the Chelsea defender said, “Unfair, I don’t know. All I want to say is that it hurts. We are young people, we grew up in Lyon, and we have always loved the club despite what people may believe. When I, Castello, and Bradley leave, it responds to a plan, an ambition. It’s nothing against OL at all.”

The Blues have been grateful for Gusto's consistency in the Premier League. The beginning of Chelsea's season hasn't exactly gone as planned. After losing to West Ham and at home to Nottingham Forest before the international break, they have four points after four games. The typical issues continue to be problematic.