This season – Gusto's first outside of his native France – has been a learning curve. It has brought the highs of establishing himself in the Chelsea first team and an international debut, but also the lows of injury and a first senior dismissal.

The defender needed time. Patience was required. But in recent weeks, Pochettino and everyone else associated with the Blues have witnessed Gusto's undoubted quality.

Crucial to this has been the relationship between player and coach. Gusto may still only be 20, but he appreciates the need to have someone at the helm who trusts him on the pitch.

‘It’s a pleasure [working with Pochettino], he has helped me a lot. He has given me his confidence and I try to return it on the pitch. He is very good for this type of team and we are very happy to have him at the club.’

It’s a feeling his manager reciprocates.

‘The plan for Malo Gusto was that of a 19-year-old player who had come from another league, France, and there were circumstances where a young kid needed time,' explains Pochettino.

‘But it’s true he played before we thought because of the injuries. He needed to perform from the beginning while adapting to the Premier League, to the club, and living in a different country.’

The transition to English football is rarely seamless and while Gusto arrived in the summer with more than 50 senior career appearances under his belt, adapting still proved a challenge.

But from his first outing in Blue – introduced as a substitute for Reece James in the first game of the season against Liverpool – Gusto was full of energy and endeavour. It just needed to be harnessed and then finessed.

Two assists followed in Gusto's first start against Luton. However, at the end of September, the Frenchman was shown a straight, albeit harsh, red card in our defeat to Aston Villa following a VAR review.

His suspension was then followed by an injury that ruled him out for four games at the start of December. Defeats to Newcastle United, Manchester United and Everton were suffered in his absence.

In the months that have followed, with James sidelined once again, Gusto's influence has continued to grow. He has been a driving force from right-back while also showcasing the defensive side of his game, most notably against Man City winger Jeremy Doku.

‘Malo has suffered with some injuries and that is why we have played sometimes with Alfie Gilchrist or Axel Disasi in that position (right-back),’ Pochettino reflected. ‘But it's not a surprise the young guys that have arrived need time.

'He was injured, then he played and then he was injured, but now after eight, nine months, we have started to see what we expected from him.’

Gusto's influence in the final third has been evident in recent outings. At Crystal Palace last month, with the Blues trailing and in a tough spot, the 20-year-old found space down the right channel immediately after half-time.

Showing intelligence beyond his years, his cross was perfectly weighted to allow Conor Gallagher to slam home. Pochettino’s side went on to win 3-1.

More was to come away at Brentford last time out. You’ll struggle to find a better cross this season than Gusto’s pinpoint delivery for Nicolas Jackson’s header. It was very nearly two assists after a surging run in the second half fashioned a glorious chance for Cole Palmer, who was unable to find the net.

‘I hope now he (Gusto) can be consistent, if he plays regularly, and starts to show his quality,' says Pochettino. 'He is a player with a great capacity going forward and attacking.

‘Like the cross against Brentford, the quality going forward is really good. He needs to improve in other areas and with time for sure he will improve. I’m very happy with how he behaves and how he performs.’

Whatever happens in the remainder of Gusto’s maiden campaign with the club, one thing is certain, he will give absolutely every ounce of effort left in the tank to make it a success.

That aligns perfectly with what Pochettino demands. It’s a requirement Gusto feels will benefit the team in the long run.

‘He [Pochettino] wants us to keep fighting, don’t stop running because running is the most important with or without the ball during the game and that is what he has tried to give us.

‘This mentality is very important for him and for winning trophies and games. That is what he has tried to teach the team. It is very important for us.’