Liam Delap has come in for a lot of praise following his performance in Chelsea’s 2-0 win against Los Angeles FC on Monday.
Delap was introduced in the second half during the Club World Cup fixture and managed to set up his side’s second goal.
It was the 22-year-old’s cross that met Enzo Fernandez before he doubled Chelsea‘s lead. Fernandez was lauded by Alejandro Garnacho, who has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, after his strike.
Former Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor, though, does not think it was the perfect debut for Delap.
Gabriel Agbonlahor thought Liam Delap was sloppy on the ball
While Agbonlahor approved of some of the runs that Delap was making, the ex-England international felt that he gave the ball away too often initially.
However, Agbonlahor put that down to nerves and was not too critical of the new Chelsea signing.
Speaking about Delap’s debut on talkSPORT, he said: “When he came on, he kept giving the ball away, seemed like he was a bit nervous when he came on. Great assist, though, for Fernandez.
“I actually went to bed after that goal because it was giving me pre-season friendly vibes the whole game, but he was making clever runs. Cole Palmer, who he’ll know from Man City, he was finding him in behind for some clever runs, but he needs time.”
Delap will now be hoping to make his first start for Chelsea on Friday when Enzo Maresca‘s men face Flamengo.
The former Ipswich Town man is competing with Nicolas Jackson for a place in the first XI. Jackson impressed John Obi Mikel with his display, setting up Pedro Neto’s opener.
What Liam Delap said after Chelsea debut
Overall, Delap can be satisfied with his debut. His assist for Fernandez’s goal was excellent; it was the kind of cross that you would expect from a winger.
The England Under-21 international made it clear, though, that he would have also liked a goal.
Delap gave a post-match interview at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and said: “It’s really important to help the team, but I want to score some as well.”
Looking at the runs he was making against LAFC, Delap may not have to wait too long before his first Chelsea goal. The ex-City player showed a lot of promise on his debut and there is surely more to come. Chelsea fans have good reason to be excited about their new striker.
