Since being thrust into the limelight following the injury to club captain Reece James, the Frenchman has occupied the right-back spot and had produced consistently impressive performances, often going under the radar during his first full season in English football.

Although not considered a summer signing as the 20-year-old made the switch to SW6 in January 2023 before spending the remainder of that season with his boyhood club Lyon, Gusto made his debut during the first game of the current campaign against Liverpool.

He would earn his first start at the Bridge against Luton not long later, rewarding the faith placed in him with two assists. Since then, the marauding full-back has enjoyed getting to grips with his surroundings across Stamford Bridge and Cobham, while fulfilling a dream of his father.

‘When I came to Chelsea, I already knew that it was a good chance for me to try and do my best,’ Gusto said, ahead of Monday's clash with Newcastle at the Bridge.

‘When I had the chance, I knew I had to take it and show what I can do on the pitch. I just try to help the team as much as I can.

‘I love London, I love this city. When I came here it was the first thing I looked at. London is a great city and Chelsea is a great area around the stadium. That’s why I’m very happy to be here.

‘My dad watched Chelsea a lot when I was young and when he knew that I could sign for the club, he was very happy and proud. Now I’m very proud to speak about this with my dad.

‘I have to say to myself that I am at Chelsea and I have a big chance to improve, to show my quality and just remember my chance – work hard every day, stay focused on everything and after, maybe I can become a great player.’

His performances on the pitch have earned him a song which he was serenaded with during the most recent Premier League contest against Brentford by the travelling supporters – a moment which our No.27 won’t forget in a hurry.

‘It was really incredible to hear this about me and I really appreciate it,’ he said. ‘I say thank you to all the fans. I’m very happy, but it’s a good thing for the team because the fans are behind us and it’s a good thing for us to stay together and keep pushing.

‘I had one moment. I stopped myself and I heard this and I was very happy to listen. After, I just tried to keep focus on the game and do my best.

‘We are very happy to have these types of fans. The English people love football. It’s a good thing for the team to have our fans behind us and we are very happy to have them.’

As a young defender, Gusto also points to Thiago Silva, one of his defensive partners, as a key reason as to why he has settled in so quickly.

‘He is a legend – he is like my dad!’ Malo added. ‘He has helped the team a lot because he has very good experience - a lot of football in great competitions. It’s a pleasure to play with him at Chelsea.

‘When I make a mistake, he tells me like my dad but that has helped me a lot. He helps with the small details and I think football is about the small details.

‘At a good team like Chelsea, you have to speak a lot and that is what he has tried to tell me, Axe [Disasi]l, Chilwell and Levi [Colwill] as well. He has tried to push us and he does this really well.’

You can read more about our No.27 on Monday when we hear from Pochettino and Gusto on their relationship ahead of the Newcastle match.