Didier Deschamps praises recognises the “potential” of Chelsea defender Malo Gusto

Malo Gusto (20) has received the praise of France manager Didier Deschamps, who handed the Chelsea defender his first call-up to the national team earlier on Monday. 

Gusto, who has seven caps for the France U21 side, was once again called up by Thierry Henry to represent Les Bleuets during the upcoming international break, however, Jules Koundé’s injury opened the door for the former Olympique Lyonnais defender’s first call-up to the senior squad. 

The Frenchman has earned the call-up after impressing when called upon so far for Chelsea this season. Despite joining the Blues in January, he returned to Les Gones for the second half of the season but featured rarely due to a persistent injury. He has been the benefactor of an injury to Chelsea captain Reece James. The Englishman’s absence has allowed Gusto to feature in six Premier League matches, including five from the start. 

Speaking at a press conference, transcribed by Get French Football News, Deschamps praised Gusto but acknowledged that there is still room for him to progress. “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,” he said. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle