“I think we are” – Malo Gusto shares honest opinion on Reece James as pair compete for right back spot | OneFootball

Malo Gusto has heaped praise on Chelsea captain Reece James and admitted it’s important to learn from the best players.

Chelsea signed Gusto from Lyon in 2023, and have two very capable right backs in him and James , with the France international solving the lack of depth in the position.

Gusto impressed in his first season under Mauricio Pochettino and got nine assists in all competitions as he got up and down the right hand side and more than proved himself as a capable deputy for James.

Malo Gusto gives opinion on Reece James

Gusto has had plenty of opportunities to show what he can do in a Chelsea shirt, with James suffering a number of well documented injury issues.

James is now back fit again and looking like he’s back to his best, although Gusto has still featured in five of the first six Premier League games.

Gusto is competing with James at right back. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

It’s set to be a fierce battle throughout the season, with both players likely to get plenty of chances to impress, although Gusto has struggled this season, and he’s now shared his opinion on James.

“Yeah, it’s important to learn from the top players,” he told Stadium Astro.

“We try to help the team as much as possible. When I’m on the pitch, when he’s on the pitch, when sometimes we’re both on the pitch, we try to help the team, and he’s a top guy.

“We talk a lot, between each other to give some advice and stuff sometimes. But yeah, I think we are both top players and I think top players have to play and show their best and that’s what we try to do.”

Reece James back to his best

Having suffered a number of injury issues, James is now enjoying his longest injury free period in quite some time, which is credit to both him and the way he’s been managed.

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The Chelsea captain has remained fit since returning from a hamstring injury in January and has looked back to his best.

James has been seen getting up and down the right hand side in the past few games like he used to, and a fit James is going to make a huge difference and play a key role in helping Chelsea achieve their goals.