Chelsea’s Malo Gusto and Reece James Compete for Right-Back Role Amid Champions League Action

Chelsea's right-back situation features a strong competition between Malo Gusto and captain Reece James, with Gusto praising James as a top player and emphasizing their collaborative efforts on the pitch. Despite Gusto having more opportunities due to James' previous injuries, James is now back to full fitness and performing at a high level, which has limited Gusto's playing time. Jose Mourinho, managing Benfica, acknowledged Chelsea's squad depth when James replaced Gusto late in a Champions League match, noting that the substitution neutralized a weakness Benfica tried to exploit. Mourinho praised James' impact in the final minutes, highlighting Chelsea's advantage in quality and squad options. Chelsea secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Benfica, with an own goal deciding the match, and will look to build on this success in upcoming Premier League fixtures. Overall, the dynamic between Gusto and James illustrates Chelsea's strategic depth at right-back, with both players contributing to the team's defensive and offensive strengths.