Pedro Neto and Liam Delap were two of Chelsea’s standout performers as they made a winning start to the Club World Cup.
The Blues beat MLS opposition Los Angeles FC by a 2-0 scoreline on Monday night in their opening group stage match of the Club World Cup, which has been expanded to a 32-team tournament this summer.
Pedro Neto opened the scoring in the first half for the Premier League outfit with a clinical left-footed finish. Afterwards, Liam Delap marked his Chelsea debut by assisting Enzo Fernandez’s second-half goal to make it 2-0.
American media praised Delap after the striker’s lively cameo off the bench against LAFC.
He’s competing with Nicolas Jackson for the striker position at Stamford Bridge, and it feels vital that the former Ipswich Town frontman starts quickly at his new club.
Neto has raved about new Chelsea teammate Delap after a short time working together. In particular, he mentioned the English striker’s character as something that has shone through in training.
When discussing Delap after his Blues debut, Neto said via Chelsea’s official website: “I have trained with him a few times, and he’s a guy who is in the team to help and we’re really delighted he’s here with us. He has shown the character he has.”
When Delap took the No.9 shirt at Chelsea, it was perhaps the biggest indication that the youngster is fearless and backs himself. He’s followed that up with the type of exciting debut that has already earned him some real support from the fanbase.
Delap insists his aim is to score despite a brilliant assist against LAFC, and that’s ultimately what he will be judged on.
The fact that he played under Enzo Maresca in Manchester City’s academy definitely gives him an upper hand when it comes to trying to hit the ground running at Chelsea in a system he’s familiar with.
Pedro Neto talks up Nicolas Jackson as well
Neto was equally positive about Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, who played just over an hour, after the victory against LAFC.
Neto said via Chelsea’s official website: “Nico and I always speak outside of the pitch about the way we want to combine with each other. This time, I just ran behind and Nico gave me the ball. I have to thank him for the pass because he was joking with me because I didn’t thank him. I will say now, thank you very much Nico!”
It promises to be a fascinating battle between Jackson and Delap for Chelsea’s starting position at striker. Ultimately, a lot may depend on which one of them links up better with the rest of the Blues attack.
Jamie O’Hara isn’t convinced Delap is better than Jackson. Perhaps we will know a bit more about where Maresca’s head is at after the Club World Cup.
