The former Ipswich striker made an instant impact after coming off the bench in Chelsea’s Club World Cup opener against LAFC, setting up Enzo Fernandez for the team’s second goal. ..Continue Reading
Delap, who joined the Blues in a £30 million move, showcased his pace and strength, nearly adding another assist during his energetic cameo.
Jackson, who started the match and assisted Pedro Neto’s opener, now faces a genuine challenge for the starting role as manager Enzo Maresca weighs his options for the remainder of the tournament and the upcoming season.
After another up-and-down campaign that saw him score 10 league goals, Jackson may need to step up his consistency to hold off Delap, who netted 12 times last season despite Ipswich’s relegation.
‘I think it’s always good to have that competition, it’s football and this is an incredible club,’ Delap told DAZN after the win over LAFC.
‘It’s always going to be incredible hard at a club like Chelsea but you have to thrive off the competition.’
Delap added on his Chelsea debut: ‘It’s a really happy feeling for me.
‘I’m so excited to be here and to play my first game and be able to contribute is a good feeling.
‘The team have welcomed me really well. I have only had a few sessions here but I am excited for more.’
Despite Chelsea spending £30m on Delap, John Obi Mikel still believes Jackson will start the new campaign as Maresca’s first-choice striker.
The former Premier League title winner said: ‘We needed somebody to come in to score the goals and finish the chances.
‘He wasn’t the guy the fans wanted – we know they wanted Osimhen – but the club decided to go with Delap.
‘He’s young, he’s going to get better but hopefully he hits the ground running as that will silence the doubters. I hope he succeeds.
‘I think he can, the runs are really good. I think he can be the guy to finish the chances but I still think Nicolas Jackson will be the main man, he just needs to work on his finishing.
‘I think he will still start next season but if he’s not scoring Delap will get his opportunity and that’s just how it works. Healthy competition is important.’
Chelsea, currently leading Group D at the Club World Cup, are set to face Brazilian heavyweights Flamengo on Friday, followed by a clash with Tunisian titleholders ES Tunis next Wednesday.
The London side heads into these fixtures riding the momentum of a strong end to their 2024–25 campaign, which saw them secure Champions League qualification and lift the Conference League trophy.
