“For the age he has, he is top” - Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca showers praises on ‘fantastic’ Blues star ahead of Liverpool clash
Enzo Maresca has hailed Malo Gusto as a fantastic player ahead of Chelsea's Premier League clash against Liverpool on Sunday (October 20). The Blues are fourth in the league table after an impressive start to the campaign under Maresca.
The west Londoners have lost just one of seven games so far and are three points behind third-placed Arsenal.
Gusto has been a key player for Maresca's side this term, aside from a brief spell on the sidelines last month due to a muscle injury. He has shown versatility this season, being deployed by Maresca as an inverted midfielder.
The right-back's performances this season have impressed many, including Maresca, who has showered the France international with praise. Speaking to reporters ahead of Chelsea's clash against Liverpool this weekend, Maresca said (via Fabrizio Romano on X):
“Fantastic player. I’m very happy with Malo. He's giving us many things. He's helping the process in the way we want to play a lot. He's doing very, very well. For the age he has, he is top”.
Chelsea captain Reece James, who's yet to feature this term after suffering a hamstring injury in pre-season, has returned to the fold. The English right-back will be available for selection against the Merseysiders, as Maresca revealed in his pre-match press conference.
When asked whether this weekend's right-back selection will be difficult given Gusto's impressive form, Maresca said (via Football.london):
"It's difficult but at the same time, it's nice because you know that one of them, the one I choose, is going to do well. This is a good feeling."
Malo Gusto has represented Chelsea 44 times since his arrival in January 2023, contributing 10 assists.
"I think they are doing a fantastic job" - Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca heaps praise on Liverpool ahead of Anfield clash
Enzo Maresca has lauded Arne Slot for the job he's done so far in his debut campaign at Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp departed Anfield at the end of last season after nine successful years with the club. The Merseysiders appointed then-Feyenoord boss Arne Slot as his replacement in the summer.
When asked whether he is surprised by Slot's work so far in Merseyside, Maresca said (via Football.london):
"They are doing fantastic. Very good players, very good manager, very good club - I think they are doing a fantastic job. It's already many years that Liverpool are there. They are continuing to do that and that is something very, very important for them."
The Dutch manager has had an excellent start to his career at Liverpool. The Reds are leading the league by a point. Manchester City (2nd) and Arsenal (3rd) are a point behind while Chelsea trail in fourth by four points.