Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is planning to use Malo Gusto more frequently in midfield after the France international remained at Stamford Bridge following Liverpool’s late deadline-day approach.
Liverpool sought to take the 23-year-old on loan on September 1, but Chelsea were unwilling to consider a temporary move without a permanent commitment. The London club were understood to value Gusto at around £75 million, bringing the negotiations to an end.
Gusto’s continued presence now gives Alonso an additional option in an area of the squad that has been weakened by Enzo Fernandez’s £125 million transfer to Manchester City and Chelsea’s failure to secure a replacement before the window closed.
Malo Gusto emerges as a midfield option for Chelsea
The versatile full-back has already been deployed centrally during the opening matches of Alonso’s reign. Chelsea’s official team sheet for the 4-3 victory over Brighton listed Gusto alongside Romeo Lavia in midfield, while the club have also used Reece James in the centre of the pitch.
Alonso has publicly indicated that Gusto is part of his midfield plans. “With Rom, Moi, Reece, Malo can play there,” the Chelsea manager said, referring to Lavia, Moises Caicedo and James as he outlined the options available to him.
That flexibility has been particularly valuable after Caicedo and Jordan Henderson were not yet fully ready to take on regular midfield duties. Alonso also named academy players Reggie Watson and Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli among the alternatives available to him. ([chelseafc.com](https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/alonso-highlights-the-quality-and-competitiveness-of-his-midfield-options?utm_source=openai))
Gusto has started each of Chelsea’s first three competitive matches of the season, underlining his importance to the new manager. He also impressed from a more familiar position in the 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Luton Town, supplying the cross from which Danny Welbeck scored his first Chelsea goal. ([chelseafc.com](https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/match-report-chelsea-2-0-luton-town?utm_source=openai))
The Frenchman’s pace, ability to carry the ball and comfort under pressure make him suited to Alonso’s demand for players who can move between defensive and midfield roles. His experience as an attacking right-back also allows him to recognise when to push into central areas and support possession.
There are risks to the experiment, with midfield requiring greater positional discipline and awareness than the flank. However, Chelsea’s lack of depth means Gusto’s adaptability could become an important part of Alonso’s plans as the season develops.
