“He’s now valuable than Reece James” – Chelsea staff delighted by how £26.3m talent is now developing

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Todd Boehly’s Youth Revolution at Chelsea: The Rise of Malo Gusto

When Todd Boehly took the reins at Chelsea, he wasted no time in reshaping the club’s recruitment strategy. Following his takeover from Roman Abramovich, Boehly prioritized building a young, talented squad, and it’s a vision that’s beginning to bear fruit.

Building a Foundation of Young Stars

In his first year, Boehly implemented structures to secure a wave of rising stars, including Andrey Santos, Carney Chukwuemeka, Benoit Badiashile, Enzo Fernandez, Noni Madueke, and Mykhailo Mudryk. Recently, exciting prospects such as Kendry Paez and Estevao Willian have joined Chelsea’s ranks, further solidifying the club’s commitment to youth.

This investment in talent is already paying dividends, as Chelsea currently sits second in the Premier League under Enzo Maresca’s guidance. Among this talented roster, one player, in particular, is making waves within the club: Malo Gusto.

Malo Gusto’s Rise to Prominence

The 21-year-old French defender has become a standout figure since his £26.3m move from Lyon in January 2023. Taking full advantage of his opportunities during Reece James’ absence, Gusto has shown exceptional adaptability, often playing in an inverted role under Maresca’s innovative tactics. His technical skill and composure in possession have made him a versatile weapon for Chelsea.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Chelsea holds Gusto in incredibly high regard. Speaking to The Chelsea Chronicle, Bailey stated, “There’s no thought of letting Gusto go anywhere. The improvement he’s shown since arriving is spectacular, and the club couldn’t be happier with him.”

Bailey even suggested that Malo Gusto’s value has now surpassed Reece James, Chelsea’s captain and previously considered an untouchable asset. That’s a remarkable testament to Gusto’s growth and potential.

Interest From Rivals and Chelsea’s Firm Stance

It’s no secret that Manchester City and Liverpool are reportedly interested in Gusto, but Chelsea has made it clear he’s not for sale. In fact, Bailey hinted that prying Gusto away from Stamford Bridge would cost more than acquiring James. With a long-term contract in place and a pay rise likely on the horizon, Gusto’s future appears firmly tied to Chelsea.

Tactical Adjustments for Gusto’s Development

Despite his undeniable talent, there are areas for improvement in how Maresca utilizes Gusto. While the France U21 international thrives as a full-back, Maresca’s tendency to deploy him in an inverted role has yielded mixed results. For example, Gusto faced challenges in this position against Everton, missing a significant chance and winning only 50% of his defensive duels.

It may be time for Maresca to reconsider this tactical approach to allow Gusto to fully harness his strengths. Even so, the young defender continues to show immense promise, with over five years remaining on his contract to grow and make his mark in west London.

Malo Gusto is proving himself as one of Chelsea’s brightest prospects, and under Boehly’s visionary leadership, the club’s focus on youth is transforming their future. As Gusto evolves, he symbolizes Chelsea’s bold recruitment strategy and the exciting times ahead for the Blues.