Three Malo Gusto stats which prove Xabi Alonso has to end the midfield experiment

The youngster was one of those taken off at half-time, as well as Gusto, with the Blues midfield being overrun by Leeds in the first half.

What a game! Where do you rank this new Chelsea attack as Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers shine again?

Leeds couldn’t handle them 🔥

The Malo Gusto midfield experiment has to come to an end

The Frenchman started in the position against Brighton, and came off the bench to partner Reece James in the middle of the park against Arsenal at the weekend.

Gusto’s 45 minutes against Leeds will be ones he is looking to forget quickly. No player misplaced more passes than him during his time on the pitch.

As well as that, the converted-midfielder failed to complete a long pass, with Chelsea’s outlets Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens struggling to be released.

Gusto also failed to make a tackle in the first half, while 16-year-old Watson made two alongside him.

It is clear that the player’s strengths do not lend themselves to playing in the middle of the park. At least James has a number of skills which make him a decent option in there.

It’s time for Xabi Alonso to give Valentin Barco a proper chance

The Blues are waiting for Moises Caicedo to be fit again, after he aggravated a previous injury when coming off the bench against Brighton.

Alonso is keen to not push the Ecuador international back too quickly, meaning he may not return until after the September international break.

This would see him need to find a solution for the next two games against Hull City and Brentford, however last night’s game should have showed him where to look.

Valentin Barco scored, picked up an assist and dominated duels in the heart of midfield, although is yet to be handed a Premier League start.

This run should come to an end on Saturday, with Gusto either returning to his wing-back role or starting the game on the bench.

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