It has been a season of catastrophe for Olympique Lyonnais. The French facet completed eighth within the league, accumulating simply 61 factors , the worst factors haul for the reason that 2013-14 season (besides the 2019-20 season curtailed by Covid-19). Although PSG restored their supremacy on the high, the truth that Lyon had been eighth indicated their poor season particularly after ending fourth, the prevous yr. Nonetheless, they fared a bit higher within the Europa League, topping their group earlier than being eradicated by West Ham United within the quarter-finals.
Nonetheless, all hope is just not misplaced. Although the season was underwhelming on all fronts, Lyon did strike gold in a single space, i.e. the youth gamers. Previously years, the membership has generated a number of gamers similar to Martin Terrier, Maxwell Cornet, and Rayan Cherki. Proper-back Malo Gusto is the newest participant to come back out of the expertise manufacturing unit.
Born in Decines-Charpieu, France, Gusto has been one of many few positives to take from the season. The 19-year-old burst onto the scene this yr, and though he hasn’t been capable of nail down the right-back spot, it’s only a matter of time earlier than he’s an integral a part of the taking part in XI.
— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) July 15, 2021
Taking part in Profession up to now
Born on Might 19, 2003, Malo Gusto joined AS Villefontaine, a membership primarily based in a commune, Isere division, southeast France. He spent three years on the membership’s youth academy earlier than transferring to Soccer Membership Bourgoin-Jallieu, a membership taking part in within the fifth-tier of the French soccer league system.
The transfer to the membership would bear wealthy dividends for him. It’s as a result of, in 2010, the membership had signed a partnership settlement with Lyon. And it’s right here that Malo Gusto captured the curiosity of the membership.
Lyon RB Malo Gusto has proven each side of a creating recreation within the first 30 minutes. His contact, tempo and bourgeoning defensive consciousness make him an exhilarating prospect. However a rash journey on Payet deserved a yellow + his resolution making remains to be erratic. Large expertise even so, simply 18.
— Get French Soccer Information (@GFFN) May 1, 2022
It took just one season for Lyon to make a transfer for the then 14-year-old. He made his method up the youth groups for the following 4 years earlier than being promoted to Lyon’s B crew.
Malo Gusto made his Ligue 1 debut on January 24, 2021, changing one other membership star Bruno Guimaraes.
With an exodus of fullbacks from Lyon earlier than the 2021-22 season, Malo Gusto was thrust into the limelight, and he didn’t disappoint, placing in some good performances.
Stats
Malo Gusto performed 30 instances within the league and 7 instances within the Europa League this season. And even at 19-years of age, he’s an adept creator and passer of the ball. In keeping with fbref, he creates an assists each 5 matches, which is among the many high 5 per cent of fullbacks.
His passing can be fairly good for his age. Malo Gusto is a modern-day full again who likes to enterprise into the ahead areas. His 4 assists within the league are the seventh-best by any defender.
As well as, he additionally loves to assist the crew win the ball again. Fbref stats present that he makes 6.26 profitable pressures per 90 minutes which is among the many high three per cent fullbacks.
His carries numbers are additionally spectacular at 56.24 per 90 minutes, which is among the many high six per cent of fullbacks.
📊 #OL | La première saison professionnelle de Malo Gusto (18ans) 🇫🇷 est une grande satisfaction !
Ses stats comparés aux autres latéraux du large 5.
🔝 xAssists
🔝 centres réussis
🔝 Tacles, Interceptions, Urgent
❌ Duels aériens pic.twitter.com/yV39lKjMAZ— Peter (@Peter__OL) April 24, 2022
Whereas his defensive numbers are nonetheless ok for a 19-year-old, he nonetheless has the time to enhance them.
What the stats don’t inform you
Malo Gustp is a participant who is sensible past his years and doesn’t wish to lose. Talking to the press after the loss to Brest, he mentioned, “It’s our job not to surrender. All these defeats are arduous to swallow, however we’ve to proceed and show that we will go all the best way. We must maintain preventing to point out that we’re not completed. It’s fairly irritating, however we’re going to maintain believing in ourselves, that’s all we’ve left to do. We’re going to have to point out much more want and aggressiveness in our matches.”
Youngest gamers with 1000+ minutes performed this season:
1⃣ Gavi (17y, 295d) 🇪🇸
2⃣ Mohamed-Ali Cho (18y, 128d) 🇫🇷
3⃣ Lucas Douath (18y, 295d) 🇫🇷
4⃣ Jude Bellingham (18y, 332d) 🏴
5⃣ Malo Gusto (19y, 8d) 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/pyWpDWVzhL— Matchday365 (@Matchday365) May 27, 2022
This reveals us his indomitable spirit. He has additionally been performing good in a season the place Lyon have struggled on all entrance and misplaced a number of gamers in the summertime switch window.
If the membership manages to make some good signings that may plug the holes within the crew, Malo Gusto’s contribution will likely be even higher.
What makes him particular?
Lyon are one of many greatest soccer golf equipment in French soccer, and for a 19-year-old to come back into it and carry out straightaway reveals his confidence, He’s additionally one of many few gamers who can come out along with his head held excessive after the catastrophic season.
And because of this Lyon can construct a crew to which Gusto will likely be integral. The membership may also be assured of getting a future star of their ranks, permitting them to take a position cash in different positions.
Malo #Gusto a compilé 43 sprints face à Reims, un report pour un joueur cette saison en Ligue 1@gusto_malo #Stats
(Ligue1 : https://t.co/ooefQn2jJ8) pic.twitter.com/GqLI1177aS— OL+ (@OL__Plus) January 5, 2022
The final time Lyon had a golden technology, they received the Ligue 1 in 2007-08; this technology may repeat that.
So, we will count on Malo Gusto to maintain his rise and Lyon to kind one other crop of gamers who can dominate the soccer world.
Potential
With only a season beneath the belt, Malo Gusto has already began attracting curiosity from the membership. Juventus has already enquired about his availability. Nonetheless, with Fiorentina and Lazio chasing Lyon’s different right-back Leo Dubois, count on Gusto to remain on the membership for just a few years forward.
He additionally signed a one-year contract extension final yr, which is able to maintain him on the membership until 2024.
The fitting-back for France can be up for grabs, with Benjamin Pavard trying to play extra at centre-back. And if he retains up the extent of efficiency, a nationwide name up might be anticipated quickly.
For now, Malo Gusto ought to show himself to Lyon and assist them regain their glory.
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