Malo Gusto: From Lyon Prospect to Chelsea’s Dynamic Defender

Malo Gusto burst onto the European scene as one of France’s most exciting full-backs, and his journey from Olympique Lyonnais academy graduate to Chelsea’s right-flank livewire is already packed with eye-catching numbers and notable milestones. Below, we dive deep into the defender’s background, season-by-season stats and tactical evolution—and assess what comes next for the 21-year-old in the Premier League.

Malo Gusto in Numbers: Key Career Stats

Gusto’s rise is best illustrated by the data. Across all senior competitions since his 2021 debut, he has already surpassed 85 first-team appearances, racking up:

• 6,650 total minutes on the pitch
• 10 assists—impressive for a defender predominantly focused on stopping attacks
• 79 chances created, underlining his modern, attack-minded profile
• 151 successful tackles at a 60% success rate
• 129 ball recoveries in the attacking half, showcasing his aggressive positioning

Those numbers, accumulated across Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, the UEFA Europa League and now the Premier League, provide the statistical backbone to his burgeoning reputation.

Why Malo Gusto Fits Chelsea’s Blueprint

When Chelsea triggered Lyon’s £26 million clause in early 2023, many believed the club were investing in the “next Reece James.” Physically quick, technically secure and tactically versatile, Gusto offers:

1. Explosive Pace: Clocked at 35.2 km/h in Ligue 1, he matches the fastest Premier League full-backs.
2. Progressive Passing: Averages 5.1 progressive passes per 90, placing him in the 86th percentile for defenders in Europe’s top five leagues.
3. Defensive Reliability: Posts 2.3 interceptions and 2.9 tackles per 90, indicating balance between attack and defense.

Mauricio Pochettino values width, overlapping runs and front-foot pressing from his full-backs—traits Gusto naturally brings, allowing Chelsea to mirror their left-side dynamism on the right.

Lyon Roots: The Making of a Modern Full-Back

Raised in Décines-Charpieu, a suburb of Lyon, Gusto initially played as a forward. That attacking background is evident whenever he surges beyond midfield lines. Lyon’s famed academy transitioned him to defense at 15, honing his:

• One-v-one dueling skills
• Ability to invert into midfield
• Crossing variety—both whipped and cut-back deliveries

By the 2021-22 season he had displaced seasoned right-back Léo Dubois, starting 30 Ligue 1 matches. That breakout campaign—28 key passes, 75% dribble success—catapulted Gusto onto every European scout’s radar.

Season-by-Season Breakdown

2021-22: Ligue 1 Breakthrough

• Appearances: 30
• Assists: 4
• Chances created: 34

2022-23: Consolidation & Transfer

• Appearances: 18 (season curtailed by hamstring injury)
• Assists: 2
• Successful tackles: 48

2023-24: Premier League Adaptation

• Appearances (all comps): 37
• Assists: 4
• Progressive carries: 122
• Yellow cards: 5—highlighting the physical step-up in England

Malo Gusto’s Playing Style Explained

Offensive Outlook

Gusto is a relentless runner who hugs the touchline before darting inside. His low-centre-of-gravity dribbling and early-released crosses force defences to retreat, creating space for Chelsea’s forwards. He excels at the “half-space underlap,” receiving infield passes and threading quick one-twos that break defensive shape.

Defensive Responsibilities

While critics occasionally point to positional lapses, data shows improvement. His 65% duel success in the Premier League is up from 58% in Ligue 1. Under Pochettino’s instruction, Gusto now tracks runners more diligently and times his tackles instead of relying purely on pace for recovery.

International Outlook

Already a France U-21 regular, Gusto is jostling with Benjamin Pavard and Jules Koundé for senior call-ups. Didier Deschamps values tactical flexibility; Gusto’s ability to switch to left-back in emergencies strengthens his case.

What the Future Holds for Malo Gusto

With Reece James still battling injuries, Gusto’s path to regular starts is clear. If he maintains fitness and continues refining his decision-making in the final third, a double-figure assist season is realistic. Chelsea’s young, transition-oriented squad benefits from his quick outlets, and his defensive numbers suggest he can handle the intensity of English football.

Potential Areas for Growth

1. End Product: Needs to turn high expected-assist (xA) numbers into tangible goals for teammates.
2. Discipline: Reducing fouls in dangerous areas will elevate his reliability.
3. Aerial Ability: At 5’10”, Gusto isn’t dominant in the air; targeted gym work can boost vertical leap.

Malo Gusto in Fantasy Football

Given his price bracket, clean-sheet potential and overlapping runs, Gusto represents a value pick in fantasy leagues. His cross volume—averaging 3.5 per match—means bonus points when strikers convert.

Conclusion

Malo Gusto has rapidly evolved from a promising Lyon prospect into a key component of Chelsea’s tactical puzzle. His blend of speed, technique and ever-improving defensive maturity sets him apart among Europe’s next generation of full-backs. Should he stay injury-free and continue polishing his final-third contributions, there is little doubt he will soon challenge the Premier League’s elite for a spot in the Team of the Season conversations.

Quick Opinion

Chelsea’s investment already looks shrewd: Gusto doesn’t merely deputise for Reece James—he offers a distinct, high-ceiling option who could redefine the club’s right-back role for the next decade.