Chelsea kicked off their Club World Cup campaign on Monday night against Los Angeles FC and were able to beat the MLS side 2-0.
Pedro Neto opened the scoring in the first half before Enzo Fernandez came on to double Chelsea‘s lead.
It was new signing Liam Delap who set up Fernandez for his goal with an excellent cross. Delap has been impressed with his Chelsea teammates, but he also showed what he is capable of with his assist at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The striker, however, did not sound completely satisfied with his contribution after the game.
Liam Delap wanted more than just an assist against Los Angeles FC
Chelsea fans would have been delighted with Delap’s impact on Monday. On his debut, he came on as a second-half substitute and managed to cause some damage.
It looks like the 22-year-old wanted more than that, though, telling DAZN after the match that he wanted to score. “It’s really important to help the team, but I want to score some as well.”
It shows his mentality as a striker. It is the sort of thing supporters want to hear from their centre-forward.
Nicolas Jackson also impressed, with the Senegal international setting up Neto’s goal, and now has a fight on his hands to keep his spot in Enzo Maresca‘s side following Delap’s arrival.
The battle to be Chelsea’s first-choice No.9 at Stamford Bridge next season is shaping up to be a fascinating one.
Enzo Maresca on Liam Delap’s debut
Maresca was quick to praise Delap after the LAFC game, saying: “Absolutely [happy with his performance]. The good thing about Liam, he knows the way we want to play, so the process is quite quick.”
While Chelsea are looking strong in the centre-forward position right now, they headed to America lacking wide options following Jadon Sancho’s return to Manchester United. For Maresca, it is something that will have to be addressed.
Before the LAFC game, Maresca spoke about Chelsea’s winger situation and said: “We have Noni, Pedro and Ty only as the proper wingers so something for sure is going to happen.”
The most likely arrival is Jamie Gittens after Chelsea tried to sign the Borussia Dortmund star in the last transfer window. The Blues have also been linked with Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho.
