Malo Gusto Strikes Again, Increasing Pressure on Jules Koundé!

Malo Gusto made a strong impression on Sunday night against Azerbaijan, contributing to a 1-3 victory. The Chelsea right-back, from Décines-Charpieu in Lyon, was caught off guard for the opening goal by Dashdamirov (1-0, 3rd minute), but quickly showcased his resilience. In the 17th minute, he provided a perfect assist for Mateta to equalize, and again at the 30th minute, Gusto delivered a precise cross for Akliouche to score. Active both offensively and defensively, Gusto was named Man of the Match, earning a rating of 7.5. He nearly scored his first goal for France, but Nkunku blocked his shot.

Gusto’s performance highlights his rising form and ability to push forward on the right flank, distinguishing him from Jules Koundé. At Chelsea, he registered his first club goal against Wolverhampton, further solidifying his successful start to the season. In Enzo Maresca’s system, he has become an essential player. Co-worker Ibrahima Konaté praised his development, stating: “I’m extremely happy for him. At Chelsea, he is becoming more influential, both technically and physically on the pitch.” Akliouche, who scored in the 30th minute from a Gusto assist, also applauded his teammate: “Gusto has been very available and interesting for the team; he has all the qualities to contribute, and we saw that today.”

Malo Gusto puts pressure on Jules Koundé

This impressive form from the 22-year-old French player puts pressure on Jules Koundé, whose start to the season with Barcelona has been more challenging. However, Didier Deschamps defended Koundé in the press conference: “I’m not worried; he’s a player who has played a lot. His performances are tied to the club. Yes, he is less prominent, but his team is underperforming. He had a difficult preparation, playing every 3-4 days, but I trust his abilities.” Even though Koundé remains a key starter, Gusto is now a credible alternative and is gaining recognition for the right-back position in the French team.

With relatively light competition on the right flank—Kalulu, Clauss, and Pavard—Malo Gusto has emerged as an essential member of the French squad. His recent journey, balancing Chelsea and the national team, shows he can take on the role of Koundé’s backup while adding an offensive edge. During the last camp, he remained humble yet ambitious: “I feel more and more comfortable in the group; I try to show what I can contribute, so I do my best in every match and hope to stay.” Following his performance against Azerbaijan and a strong start at Chelsea, Malo Gusto has nearly secured his place for the 2026 World Cup.