Under the luminous sky of the Club World Cup, a new chapter began for Chelsea — and at the heart of it stood a 21-year-old with fire in his boots and a name ready to echo around Stamford Bridge. Liam Delap, Chelsea’s £30 million signing from Ipswich Town, announced himself on the grandest of stages with a goal that felt both natural and inevitable.
Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Esperance de Tunis wasn’t just routine. It was purposeful, polished, and precise — and Delap was the story. With Nicolas Jackson suspended for the upcoming clash against Benfica after his red card against Flamengo, the timing could not have been sweeter. Enzo Maresca, watching from the dugout, saw more than just a goal. He saw potential unfolding.
Delap moved like he belonged. He pressed with intent. He danced through defenders with sharp turns and unteachable confidence. And when his chance came, he buried it with a clinical calm — no hesitation, no fuss. Just pure striker’s instinct.
The London club, seeking a return to their ruthless best, now looks at Delap as more than just a squad addition. He is energy. He is excitement. He is exactly the kind of ignition Maresca has been searching for.
It’s early days still, but Chelsea have already glimpsed the promise in their summer signing. With Benfica next on the horizon, and Jackson unavailable, Delap’s emergence could not have come at a better time. Chelsea march into the round of 16 with clarity — and a new weapon at their disposal.
Chelsea manager Maresca: “I’m pleased with Liam, with him scoring for us, but against Flamengo he had three clear chances to score goals, so that is already a good feeling because that means that he’s there, he’s in the right position, he’s doing well. Unfortunately, he didn’t score against Flamengo, and tonight he scored. We know that Liam is going to score goals with us, and we don’t have any doubt about that.