Malo Gusto's proven big-match winning temperament will serve him well as he aims to challenge Jules Kounde for the starting right-back position for France at the World Cup. The 23-year-old was part of the Chelsea squad that won the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup last season. Despite Chelsea's disappointing campaign, where they finished 10th in the Premier League, Gusto has done enough to convince coach Didier Deschamps to include him in the World Cup squad.
Gusto told AFP that being selected is the fulfillment of a childhood dream and makes him "hugely proud." His inclusion in the 26-man squad highlights Deschamps' high regard for him, especially since midfielder Eduardo Camavinga missed out after Real Madrid's mediocre season.
Gusto praised Chelsea teammate Reece James, saying, "Reece James has been tops. He is someone I have learnt a lot from since coming to Chelsea." Gusto joined Chelsea from Lyon for a reported 30 million euros ($35 million) in 2023. He has earned nine caps since his debut in 2023 and considers former Barcelona and Brazil legend Dani Alves as his benchmark for a fullback. "He is someone who had all the qualities of a modern fullback, who defended well but attacked very effectively as well," Gusto said.
Gusto admits he is still developing, having switched to fullback at age 17. "Defensively there are a lot of areas where I could do better. In attack I could bring more with regards to statistics. But I am working on it, indeed working very hard. That is what pays off every time. It is not magic, everyone knows that. When you work as you should, you obtain results. That is what helps me a lot. It is because of that that I am in the French squad."
Gusto, along with Manchester City's Rayan Cherki and Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola, all came through the Lyon academy. "To see us three here is something really beautiful. The Lyon youth system is recognised worldwide. There is a Lyon DNA: Bradley, Rayan and myself, we are all ball players. The academy taught us a lot about how to play. To not be afraid of using the ball in the best possible fashion."
As France aims to regain the World Cup they won in 2018 after losing the 2022 final to Argentina, Gusto said the squad is united behind Deschamps, who is leading the national team for the final time at a major tournament. "That helps, of course. I endeavour to bring my energy, my carefree attitude as well. I am there to put my brick in the building. We have players like Kylian (Mbappe), Ousmane (Dembele), who are among the best players in the world. To have connections with them on the pitch is magnificent."
Kounde may be the incumbent right back, but he is four years older than Gusto, who has a long-term objective. "I would like to become a reference point as a right back. It is a target that attracts me, which I must attain. I would like also to be able to say I won this World Cup. To have played in another as well."
