12 Comments

Every time Chilwell takes the pitch I wait with bated breath does he make it through the match will he be injured again and It will be the same with James when he returns.

Injuries take a toll on the player they gradually become slower, mentally unwilling to stretch for the tackle.

Mind you I’d sooner have Reece James back & fit never to be injured again and then worry what to do with Gusto.

One thing your article didn’t hit on Luke there are 4 positions Gusto could play in, in theory you need to include left & right wing.

I do think minutes will be there if Chilwell & James are fit and playing one way or another.

Expand full comment

That is an excellent point Andy and not one I had considered! Gusto could be an excellent winger as well.

Expand full comment

With the benefit that it would shore up the defense on which ever side he played.

Expand full comment

Great article Luke but we need to play more games for your theory to work. All 3 players are superb but if we don’t have more games to play someone will become unhappy. Just a fact of life. Then that would give our sell crazy owners more reason to balance our books better which may mean we lose one of the 3. With our injury issues we really can’t afford that to happen.

Expand full comment

Thanks Luke, I tend to concur with you. Gusto will get plenty of opportunity. Sharing game time with both, Reece James and Chilwell

Expand full comment

For me either Reece or Malo has to switch over to the left side. Though I doubt it'd be for long before Reece is sidelined once again.

Expand full comment

I actually think Reece would be brilliant Left wing, brilliant pace, fantastic finishing great at crossing, gotta be better than Mudryk. Discuss

Expand full comment

Sorry Luke . But I have to disagree on playing Mali at left back ? He just didn’t seem that comfortable when he played there. 👍

Expand full comment

There are some excellent clips and analysis on him at Left Back on Twitter (X), well worth a look and may change your mind on that Michael.

Expand full comment

Some fair points, Luke.

IF we were to consider playing Gusto full time at left back, do you suspect we wouldn't be in the market for a full back in the summer? (assuming that cucurella leaves)

Expand full comment

We still need another in my view Alex, we need 'The Malo Gusto of Left-Back' in my view or another right back if we are to play Gusto on the left.

We need to sell Cucurella and get another top full back, to have 4 top full backs is an excellent option for any team and would elevate us massively and take the physical burden off of the likes of Reece and Chilly who are two of the best in the world when fit.

Expand full comment

Fair comment

Expand full comment