"For me, he's Mr. Consistency" – John Obi Mikel says he has 'no idea' why Enzo Maresca drops 21-year-old Chelsea star from line-up at times

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has expressed his disappointment over right-back Malo Gusto being dropped for the Blues' recent 2-0 Premier League loss at Ipswich Town.

Earlier this Monday (December 30), the Blues failed to bounce back from their 2-1 league loss to Fulham during their visit to Portman Road. Liam Delap and Omari Hutchinson both bagged a goal each on either side of the half-time break.

Gusto, who left Olympique Lyonnais in a deal worth up to £30 million in 2023, was replaced at right-back by Axel Disasi in the contest against Ipswich. The 21-year-old France international came on in the 77th minute and picked up a booking.

Speaking recently on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel offered his thoughts on Chelsea's latest loss at Kieran McKenna's club and opined on Gusto. The two-time Premier League champion said (h/t Chelsea News):

"I like Malo Gusto. For me, he's Mr. Consistency, a little bit like [Cesar] Azpilicueta, isn't he? But, I have no idea why the manager sometimes drops him and plays Disasi there."

Gusto, whose current deal will run out in June 2030, cemented himself as a key squad player at the Blues in Reece James' absence last term. He provided nine assists in 37 games across competitions for the west London outfit last season.

So far this campaign, the Frenchman has made 18 appearances across competitions for the Stamford Bridge side. He has started 14 total outings, featuring twice as a left-back, and has contributed just two assists in all competitions so far.

Chelsea teenager tipped to become 'great'

Boca Juniors president Juan Roman Riquelme has tipped new Chelsea boy Aaron Anselmino to become one of the best defenders in the world in the future. He told ESPN (h/t Metro):

"He has developed a lot. With the growth, the head that he has and the desire to learn that he shows, he is on his way to being a great footballer. He is going to be a player for the national team. He is going to compete with the centre-backs."

Anselmino, 19, secured a permanent switch worth over £15 million to the Blues in the summer. However, the right-footed centre-back was loaned back to Boca Juniors for the remainder of the campaign and now, his loan has been cut short.

Prior to joining Chelsea this month, Anselmino scored two goals and provided three assists in 23 appearances across all competitions for Boca Juniors.