Malo Gusto

Key strength: Pace and recovery

Overlapping full-back

In the eye of a storm at Stamford Bridge, Malo Gusto stands as one of Chelsea's few bright spots during a torrid run of form that has seen the Blues plummet to 10th place on the back of five consecutive defeats. The 22-year-old French right-back has been a model of consistency amid the chaos, racking up 40 appearances across all competitions and logging an impressive 2,516 minutes—a testament to his durability and Enzo Maresca's trust in the youngster. Gusto has contributed 3 goals and 4 assists from the backline, offering a crucial attacking outlet as Chelsea struggle to break opponents down. Operating as an overlapping full-back, he transforms the right flank into an offensive corridor, complementing the technical brilliance of teammates like Enzo Fernández and João Pedro. His €35 million market value reflects his emergence as one of Europe's most promising defensive prospects, locked in at the club until 2030. With a disciplined record of just 2 yellow cards, Gusto's composure contrasts sharply with Chelsea's recent collapse—a foundation upon which their recovery must be built.