Chelsea were solid if not spectacular in their successful effort to get three points on the board in their first game of the 2025 Club World Cup.
Goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez saw the Blues cruise to a 2-0 win, with them not really needing to get out of second gear against MLS opponents LAFC.
The Argentine had Liam Delap to thank for his second-half goal, as he continued to show his newfound goalscoring interests by getting on the end of the striker’s cross.
Chelsea fans had to wait until after the break to see their new number nine in action following his £30m move from Ipswich Town.
They will not have been disappointed with what they saw, whilst also really pleased with Delap’s post-match comments where he stated he is hungry for more than just assists in a Chelsea shirt.
Despite featuring for less than half an hour, Delap made an impression on the American media with his cameo, with Sports Illustrated saying that the loudest reaction from the muted fanbase came
“The loudest cheer of the afternoon in Atlanta —although there was a shockingly low amount of people in attendance— came when Liam Delap, Chelsea’s newly acquired No. 9, made his debut for the club entering the pitch in the 64th minute.
“In his 30 minute cameo, the former Ipswich Town center forward showed signs as to why Chelsea paid his £30 million ($40 million) release clause early in the transfer window. Delap was energetic and intelligent with his movements, linking up well with former Manchester City academy teammate Cole Palmer.
“Less than five minutes into his cameo, he made a strong run and left behind his marker, with a tight angle and Lloris charging forward, he cut back the ball to a charging Fernández who couldn’t bury Chelsea’s second thanks to a timely block.
“However, in the 81st minute, Delap freed himself with a similar run and once again set up Fernández with a pin-point accurate cross. This time, the Argentine midfielder was able to find the back of the net and finally gave the Blues some breathing room.”
Liam Delap causing issue for Chelsea teammate
While nothing has been confirmed yet, it is expected that Delap will start the first Premier League game of next season.
This could leave Nicolas Jackson fighting for his place in the starting side, and even though he impressed against LAFC, the gauntlet has been laid down by the new striker.
Maresca admitted Jackson has been challenged for the number nine position, and reports have stated that they may not be finished yet when it comes to transfer business in the striker position.
It had been stated over the summer that Jackson was unhappy at Chelsea, however his place in the side is very much in his hands as he prepares for his third campaign at Stamford Bridge.
