Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has some very good options in his squad, especially at the back.
For example, in central defence, Enzo Maresca has the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana to call upon.
In fact, he has so many good options that Chelsea are happy to offload Trevoh Chalobah this summer.
The Blues are also pretty strong in the right-back position, with the club possessing both Reece James and Malo Gusto.
Gusto filled in well for James last season, so it will be interesting to see if he can become Chelsea‘s first-choice right-back. In 37 appearances for Chelsea, Gusto has managed to register nine assists, which is quite impressive for a full-back.
Andy Townsend’s warning for Reece James
The reason why Gusto had to cover for James the previous season was because the Englishman could not stay fit.
Andy Townsend thinks James now has to prove his fitness to the new Chelsea manager, otherwise he will be reluctant to play him.
Speaking about James on talkSPORT (28/07/2024 at 05:29), the former Chelsea player said: “Reece needs to have that season where he stays fit and he can prove to everybody that he can do it week in and week out like everybody knows that he can. But you have got to do it.
“If all of a sudden, you get to that point where your manager starts to look at you and then look to someone either side of you because he can’t trust you to stay fit or you are not fit or you are never there when they need you, then all of a sudden, you start getting overlooked.”
Another pundit, Steve Nicol, has urged James to “stop” as soon as he feels something from now on to avoid picking up serious injuries.
Malo Gusto will push Reece James
James really does need to stay fit and get back to his best again. If not, Gusto could easily end up as Chelsea’s first-choice right-back.
He is already likely to start the Blues’ first game of the new Premier League season against Manchester City, with James unavailable because of suspension.
Gusto should be ready for it, while supporters will trust the 21-year-old after his performances last term. Gusto returned to Chelsea as one of the fittest players and has played in both of the club’s two pre-season games so far.
Ultimately, there could be a real battle between Gusto and James, who is on a £250,000-a-week contract (Spotrac), at Stamford Bridge in the new season.
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