Chelsea picked up straight from where they left off in the Conference League final in their opening Club World Cup game.
Enzo Maresca‘s men managed to beat Los Angeles FC 2-0, with goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez taking them to victory.
Former Premier League midfielder Michael Brown enjoyed Neto’s goal and the trick he pulled out just before dispatching.
A couple of his teammates also came in for praise for their contribution to Chelsea‘s first win in the Club World Cup.
John Obi Mikel loving Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson partnership
Ex-Chelsea star John Obi Mikel has been very critical of Nicolas Jackson at times.
However, it was Jackson who set up Neto’s goal after receiving a pass from Cole Palmer, and Mikel loved what he saw. For the Chelsea legend, Maresca’s side are capable of playing “really well” once the duo start to connect.
Speaking on Channel 5 (16/06/2025 at 20:55), Mikel said: “You can see Cole Palmer getting more involved in the game and like I said before the game, I think the combination between Cole and Nicolas Jackson, that’s what makes us play really well.
“You can see from the goal, gets the ball Cole Palmer to Nicolas Jackson, great feet from Nicolas Jackson. He’s been really, really good today.”
While he did blow hot and cold last season, Jackson managed to finish the 2024/25 campaign on a positive note.
It was the Senegal international who scored Chelsea’s second goal in their 4-1 Conference League final win against Real Betis last month.
Gabriel Agbonlahor makes big Nicolas Jackson exit claim
Jackson has recently been linked to Galatasaray, who will need to sign a new striker if they cannot keep hold of Victor Osimhen.
Former Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor has heard that Jackson could very well end up at the Turkish club.
When Agbonlahor spoke about Jackson and Osimhen last week, he said: “What I heard is that if Chelsea gets Osimhen, Galatasaray will also get Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea. I am saying this now. He is a player I like very much. He had a good season this year.”
The Club World Cup and Chelsea’s transfer business could make this a very interesting summer for the Blues.
Chelsea could return for Mike Maignan after failing to sign the AC Milan goalkeeper in the last transfer window, so the club could be in for another saga with the Frenchman. As for Jackson, his situation could be something to keep an eye on, especially if Chelsea do go on to recruit another striker.
