Malo Gusto has welcomed the tactical demands of Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea, insisting he is enjoying the freedom and responsibility that comes with operating as a wing-back.
The French defender started at right wing-back in Chelsea’s 3-2 Premier League victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage, giving supporters an early glimpse of how important the position could become under Alonso.
Gusto’s performance highlighted the two-way responsibility expected from Chelsea’s wide defenders.
He was required to push forward aggressively when Chelsea had possession but also drop quickly to help protect the defence.
That balance was particularly evident in the build-up to Chelsea’s goals.
For the opening goal, Gusto was tracking a Fulham player’s run from deep when Chelsea regained possession.
For the second, he was already positioned much higher up the pitch before playing the pass that released Cole Palmer and helped trigger the attack.
The 22-year-old is no stranger to the system. Gusto previously played as a wing-back during his development at Lyon and believes that experience has helped him adapt quickly to Alonso’s demands.
“It’s a position that I used to play before at Lyon when I was young,” Gusto told the club website.
“So I know it and I do enjoy it. You need to bring a lot of energy – make a lot of runs forward and be there to defend as well.
“You have to try to perform to your best on both sides of the games and it’s a good system for sure, but of course as a team we have to be prepared for anything.”
That final point could prove crucial. Alonso’s system places considerable emphasis on the wing-backs providing width, attacking depth and defensive cover.
For Gusto, it means being ready to influence the game at both ends of the pitch. The early signs are encouraging.
Gusto has also been impressed by Alonso’s approach since the former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss took charge at Stamford Bridge.
The Chelsea defender says there is strong respect within the squad for Alonso, both because of his decorated playing career and his achievements as a manager.
More importantly, Gusto believes the new head coach has established a clear tactical direction for the team.
Chelsea’s opening-day victory provided an early indication of that philosophy, with the Blues showing attacking intent while maintaining the structure required to see out a difficult away fixture.
For a player like Gusto, that could create plenty of opportunities to become an important figure in Alonso’s plans.
Gusto also feels refreshed after a demanding summer, having helped France finish fourth at the World Cup.
The break has allowed him to return with renewed energy, and with Chelsea already collecting three points, attention has quickly shifted towards what could become a significant campaign.
“It was good for the body to rest and I’m feeling really good now. I couldn’t wait to come back to Chelsea and just focus on our new objectives.
“As a Chelsea player, of course we want to compete for the title and come back to the Champions League next season.
“We have a lot of objectives and to achieve them we need to create a good dynamic as a team and see how it goes.”
That ambition sets the tone for Chelsea’s season. The Blues have made a positive start under Alonso, but Gusto knows one victory will not define the campaign.
Chelsea now have to build consistency, establish Alonso’s tactical identity and turn their early momentum into a sustained title challenge.
With home fixtures against Luton and Brighton next, the pressure will be on Chelsea to keep the momentum alive.
And if Alonso’s wing-back system continues to unlock players such as Gusto, Chelsea may have found another weapon in their push for major honours.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
