How Malo Gusto reacted straight after one duel with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in Club World Cup final

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Cole Palmer will receive all of the plaudits after Chelsea’s victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final, but Malo Gusto also deserves some credit.

Gusto has not had a great season at Chelsea, especially compared to his first campaign in west London.

Former Blue Scott Minto discussed Gusto last month, claiming that the defender was going through a tough spell.

However, he still started against PSG and absolutely shone, containing one of Europe’s most dangerous attackers right now, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

• READ MORE: As well as Robert Sanchez, £30m Chelsea man just had his best performance for the Blues in Club World Cup final

Malo Gusto celebrated stopping Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in his tracks during Chelsea vs PSG

Gusto played a huge role in Chelsea’s opening goal during the Club World Cup final, being the man to assist Palmer.

The defender was really good going forward but also did his job defensively. He limited Kvaratskhelia’s threat down the right before the Georgian was eventually taken off.

Taking on Kvaratskhelia is a daunting task; the 24-year-old is a very skilful winger. But Gusto looked like he really enjoyed going up against him.

After one PSG attack where Gusto was able to contain Kvaratskhelia, the full-back was spotted celebrating by journalist Bobby Vincent.

Gusto has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer. It is thought that Bayern Munich are interested in Gusto.

But after his performance against PSG, a lot of Chelsea fans will not want to see the right-back depart.

How Enzo Maresca was able to get the best out of Malo Gusto at the MetLife Stadium

Gusto’s struggles during the 2024/25 campaign were largely down to Enzo Maresca using him as an inverted full-back.

Against PSG, though, the Frenchman was allowed to remain on the right flank, where he caused absolute havoc when going forward.

Again, it was Gusto who set up Chelsea’s first goal, while the former Lyon man also managed to complete the one dribble he attempted. His overall performance, though, would have impressed Maresca.

If Gusto does remain at Chelsea beyond this summer, hopefully he can put in similar performances, which looks possible if Maresca keeps the France international on the right instead of asking him to invert.