Chelsea supporters saw the talent of new signing Liam Delap on full display in their crucial Club World Cup win vs ES Tunis.
The Blues needed at least a point to progress to the Round of 16, and were frustrated before Tosin Adarabioyo’s header opened the scoring in first-half added time.
Before the break, Delap had added a second after some excellent footwork created an opportunity for himself. Tyrique George found the net in the final minutes to round off the game.
Enzo Maresca had promised there would be rotation, however saw his options limited in the striker position following Nicolas Jackson’s red card.
Jackson’s original one-game ban has been upgraded and he will miss the Round of 16 tie against Benfica, meaning Delap is likely to start that game too.
US media praise Liam Delap after first Chelsea goal at Club World Cup
The ability to create the chance to score himself is something which Blues fans have not been too used to seeing from their striker, and American media believe this could be a long-term positive for Chelsea.
ESPN stated that Chelsea would need to be better to beat Benfica in the next round, however had confidence that this can be done with the Englishman in their ranks.
They said: “They had created a few openings and controlled the play, registering 75% possession in the first half, but were unable to press home that advantage. Time and again, this has been Chelsea’s undoing.
“Delap made sure the story was different this time and his first goal for the club on his third appearance was the pivotal moment in a 3-0 win and comes at a particularly opportune moment.
“The competition between Jackson and Delap is close, but there is little doubt who has the momentum right now. He turned a difficult evening into a routine one, and that, in essence, is the job.
“They will have to be better against Benfica. But if Delap can continue his promising start, there’s every chance they will be.”
Chelsea star already won over by Liam Delap
Delap’s goal saw Enzo Fernandez pick up his second assist in just a few minutes, making it 15 in all competitions for this mammoth season.
The World Cup winner has seen plenty of chances created go to waste over the last 12 months, and he will be delighted to see his pass converted against ES Tunis.
Fernandez praised Delap after his debut against LAFC, stating that he believes the two can combine for plenty of goals going forward at Chelsea.
It took just two games for this trend to carry on, and Chelsea fans will be excited about this new combination coming to Stamford Bridge.
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