"He's good one-on-one; he's dynamic" - Bacary Sagna chooses surprise player as best right-back in Premier League ahead of Alexander-Arnold
Former Premier League defender Bacary Sagna believes Chelsea's Malo Gusto is ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold and is the best right-back in the English top flight. During his playing days, the Frenchman featured in 267 games in the competition while playing for both Arsenal and Manchester City.
Gusto joined the west London side in January 2023 for a reported €30 million from Olympique Lyon before initially returning on loan till the summer. He has gone on to impress for the side, making 48 appearances and providing 10 assists in all competitions.
His performances have impressed Sagna, who told Mega Dice:
"At the minute, I really like Malo Gusto at Chelsea. I think he has the potential to become the best right-back in the Premier League. He’s been excellent this season. Gusto is so energetic. He's good one-on-one; he's dynamic. His decision-making regarding defensive and offensive positioning is really good."
Sagna continued:
"I think he's one to watch. I've been watching him since he was at Lyon. He's doing well with Chelsea, and he's still young. You can rely on him to do the job. Of course, there are other great right-backs in the Premier League, players that have been in the game for a long time, but at the moment, he’s one of the best in the league."
Sagna's decision to choose the defender over Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold will surprise many. Alexander-Arnold is considered one of the best players in the position in recent history. The Englishman has scored 19 goals and provided 83 assists in 325 appearances for Liverpool.
"I think he's gone" - Tim Sherwood tips Trent Alexander-Arnold to leave the Premier League for Real Madrid
Tim Sherwood believes that Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave the Premier League for Real Madrid next summer on a free transfer. The English defender's contract with his boyhood club expires in the summer of 2025 and he has been touted as a target for the Spanish giants.
Alexander-Arnold came through the English club's youth ranks. He has helped the team to the UEFA Champions League, the FA Cup, two League Cups, and their first Premier League title after a three-decade wait.
Speaking about the future of the Englishman amid interest from the 15-time UEFA Champions League winners, Sherwood said (via GOAL):
"I think with Trent, I think he's gone. Once Real Madrid come knocking for you... He's won everything at the football club and been a magnificent servant but there's no chance they're keeping him now I wouldn't have thought."
At the end of his career, Trent Alexander-Arnold will likely go down as one of the best right-backs to have played in the league. He has made 33 caps for the England national team at 26 after making his international debut in 2018 under former manager Gareth Southgate.
