Liam Delap made an instant impact at Chelsea, providing an assist and injecting energy into the side during their 2-0 Club World Cup victory over LAFC. The 21-year-old striker, recently signed from Ipswich Town for £30m, replaced Nicolas Jackson after the hour mark and wasted no time asserting himself.
Delap set up Enzo Fernandez’s late goal and was a constant threat to the Los Angeles backline with his pace and strength. It was an encouraging debut that left fans and pundits wondering whether he might soon overtake Jackson in the pecking order.
Jackson, for his part, created the first goal of the game with an assist for Pedro Neto, but inconsistency remains a concern. Despite netting 10 goals last season in the Premier League, his form wavered too often for a team pushing for trophies.
Speaking after the match, Delap welcomed the rivalry. “It’s always going to be tough at a club like Chelsea,” he told DAZN. “You have to thrive off competition. I’m happy to be here, excited to play, and I’m grateful to contribute already.”
Though he only trained with the team a few times before his debut, Delap was quick to praise his new teammates for making him feel at home. His confident display suggested he’s ready to stake a serious claim for the No. 9 role under Enzo Maresca.
Despite Delap’s encouraging debut, former midfielder John Obi Mikel still believes Jackson will remain the starting striker — at least for now. “He’s not the striker fans were screaming for — Osimhen was that name — but Delap has potential,” Mikel said. “Jackson’s runs are excellent; he just needs to sharpen his finishing.”
Mikel emphasized that healthy competition is vital, suggesting Delap’s presence could push Jackson to improve. “If Jackson doesn’t deliver, Delap will get his shot. That’s football.”
As Chelsea prepare to face tougher opponents in Group D, Maresca may soon have a selection dilemma. Delap’s early form has added another dimension to the Blues’ attack, giving fans hope that the striker position is no longer a weak link.