Cole Palmer is going to get many of the headlines after scoring again in the Premier League, but one of his Chelsea teammates deserves just as much praise for his display.
Chelsea beat Brighton 2-1 on Wednesday night at the Amex Stadium in the league. As a result, the Blues are up to sixth in the division table, and their hopes of qualifying for Europe on the final day of the season lie in their hands.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side know they’ll be playing some form of European football next season if they avoid defeat at home to Bournemouth this Sunday.
Cole Palmer scored his 22nd league goal of the season with a beautiful header versus Brighton. Christopher Nkunku got himself on the scoresheet, too.
As much as Palmer deserves the plaudits for another eye-catching performance away to Brighton, the 22-year-old attacker isn’t alone in impressing.
Malo Gusto deserves his flowers for another top-class individual display this week.
At the age of 20, the young right-back has shown during this first season with the Blues that he’s someone for both the now and the future.
He was recalled to the starting XI against Brighton after being eased back by Pochettino from injury. However, he’s been a really reliable player for the squad with 36 appearances.
Gusto was superb in both defensive and offensive phases during his 69 minutes on the pitch.
The attack-minded full-back created his ninth assist of the season with his crossed pass to set up Nkunku’s winner.
When defending, the Frenchman was ruthless and aggressive on the South Coast. WhoScored data recorded Gusto made three clearances, two tackles and one interception while on the pitch.
His £26m signing (Sky Sports) from Lyon looks more and more like a bargain with every performance that goes by.
Chelsea had this youngster as their unsung hero:
Reece James, the Chelsea captain, must be looking across at Gusto this season envious of what he’s doing.
James is the best right-back on the planet when he’s fit and firing, but he’s got obstacles with injuries and discipline to beat first. It means the door may be genuinely open for Gusto to build on a stellar first year in west London.
Cole Palmer is garnering many headlines after his Premier League goal, but one of his Chelsea teammates deserves equal praise.
On Wednesday night, Chelsea defeated Brighton 2-1 at the Amex Stadium, lifting the Blues to sixth place in the division table and keeping their hopes for European qualification alive.
Mauricio Pochettino’s team understands that avoiding defeat at home against Bournemouth this Sunday secures them European football next season.
Palmer’s 22nd league goal of the season came with a brilliant header against Brighton, and Christopher Nkunku also scored. While Palmer deserves accolades for his stellar performance, the 22-year-old attacker isn’t the only standout player. Malo Gusto warrants commendation for another exceptional display this week.
At 20, the young right-back has proven in his first season with the Blues that he’s crucial for both present and future success. Recalled to the starting XI against Brighton after recovering from injury, Gusto has been dependable, featuring in 36 appearances.
During his 69 minutes on the pitch, Gusto excelled in both defensive and offensive roles. The attack-minded full-back notched his ninth assist of the season with a precise cross that set up Nkunku’s winning goal.
Defensively, the Frenchman was relentless and assertive on the South Coast. WhoScored data shows that Gusto made three clearances, two tackles, and one interception during the match.
His £26m transfer from Lyon, as reported by Sky Sports, increasingly appears to be a bargain.
Chelsea captain Reece James must be observing Gusto’s performance this season with a mix of admiration and challenge. The Blues arguably have the strongest right-back depth in club football with Gusto and James, posing an interesting long-term competition between them.
The Chelsea Chronicle views James as the world’s best right-back when fit, though injuries and disciplinary issues have been hurdles. Consequently, Gusto has a genuine opportunity to build on his impressive debut year in West London.
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