Why is Xabi Alonso still giving Malo Gusto minutes when he is expected to leave in January?
There are growing rumours that Malo Gusto could leave Chelsea in January, with questions being raised over why he continues to receive minutes ahead of players who need experience and are considered part of the club's future.
The French full-back has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City, with speculation gathering pace over the past month. As a result, more Chelsea supporters are questioning why Xabi Alonso continues to give him opportunities.
With some fans already impatient to see the back of him, every appearance is now being judged against one simple question: why give valuable minutes to a player who may not be part of Chelsea's long-term plans? More frustratingly for supporters, those opportunities have sometimes come out of position, whether in central midfield or at left-back.
Cover
The first answer is cover. Reece James is out injured, which leaves Alonso short of right-back options with Premier League experience, however Josh Acheampong is gaining experience while Marco Palestra is coming up to speed.
Gusto has more than 140 appearances for the club, so he gives the manager experience that younger alternatives cannot yet match. Marco Palestra and Josh Acheampong are developing, but relying entirely on them in a congested schedule is a risk Alonso may not want to take.
Increasing Value
The second factor could be financial value. Regular game time helps maintain a player's transfer value, even when performances are below expectations, and Chelsea will want to secure a reasonable fee if Gusto is to leave.
Dropping him to the bench could weaken his marketability and, in turn, Chelsea's negotiating position with Manchester City. Selection and transfer business are closely connected, and a manager working alongside the club's recruitment team will be well aware of that.
Even so, there are limits to this argument, despite the performances have been so far below par. Fans see playing time as valuable, and giving it to a player who could leave means fewer opportunities for those who will remain at Chelsea beyond this season.
Acheampong has shown he can handle the role, and every game Gusto gets is another chance missed for a young, homegrown player who needs to develop. If a manager wants to build a team around young talent, he has to give them the opportunities to prove themselves.
The performances matter as well. If Gusto is not delivering, protecting his value costs Chelsea points, and that is a trade fans will not accept for long.
Alonso has reasons for his choices, but the balance needs to shift soon. The minutes should go to the players who are staying.
