Liam Delap makes immediate impact on Chelsea debut, says he's 'excited for more' as Blues beat Los Angeles FC in FIFA Club World Cup opener
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By Tom Cantoni
Published 16/06/2025 at 23:59 GMT+1
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New Chelsea signing Liam Delap made an immediate impact on his debut for The Blues, coming off the bench to set up Enzo Fernandez in a 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC on Monday evening. "It's a really happy feeling for me," the forward said, as Enzo Maresca's side got off to a winning start at the FIFA Club World Cup. at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
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Video credit: SNTV
Chelsea made a winning start in the FIFA Club World Cup, with new signing Liam Delap playing his part in the 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC.
After Pedro Neto had fired Chelsea ahead in Atlanta, £30m signing Delap made an immediate impact after coming on as a substitute in the 64th minute.
He curled an inch-perfect cross into the path of Enzo Fernandez, who took a touch before firing home Chelsea’s second.
"It’s a really happy feeling for me," Delap told Channel 5.
"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. Of course it is good to help the team but I want to score some as well."
Delap, who joined Chelsea following a standout season at Ipswich Town, replaced fellow striker Nicolas Jackson in the second half.
The pair are likely to battle for a place in Enzo Maresca’s starting 11 - a challenge Delap is welcoming.
"It’s always good to have competition - this is football," he added.
"It is an incredible club and it is always going to be incredibly hard but you have to thrive off the competition."
The 22-year-old appears to have made a good first impression on his new manager.
"Absolutely happy with Liam," said Maresca.
"The good thing about Liam, he knows the way we want to play, so the process is quite quick.
"Very good result. At this stage of the season, it’s normal you have to manage these kind of things. Overall, the performance was good, and we won the game."
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Attendance was well short of capacity at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. 22,137 supporters turned out for the match in an arena which can hold 71,000.
Chelsea have a few days to recover before their second match in Group D this Friday, which takes place nearly 800 miles away in Philadelphia against Brazilian side Flamengo.
Manchester City also get their Club World Cup campaign underway this week, playing Moroccan side Wydad AC in Philadelphia on Wednesday.
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