Chelsea player ratings vs LAFC: Liam Delap makes instant impact with Pedro Neto electric | OneFootball

New £30million signing enjoys an impressive Blues debut off the bench in Club World Cup opener

Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Malik Ouzia

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Liam Delap marked his Chelsea debut with an assist as the Blues kicked off their Club World Cup campaign by beating LAFC 2-0.

The striker set up Enzo Fernandez for Chelsea’s second goal of the game, after Pedro Neto had put them ahead in the first half.

The victory puts Chelsea top of Group D and Enzo Maresca’s side will next be in action on Friday, when they take on Flamengo.

Standard Sport’s Simon Collings watched Chelsea in action...

Robert Sanchez 7

Did not have much to do as Chelsea dominated much of the possession, but he was impressive when called into action. Made two smart stops from Denis Bouanga in the second half.

Reece James 6

Taken off at the break in what felt like a pre-planned substitution. Was steady during his 45 minutes, although he did pick up a booking.

Tosin Adarabioyo 7

Largely untroubled. Made a vital interception midway through the second half when Olivier Giroud was about to be played through on goal.

Levi Colwill 6

Like his centre-back partner, enjoyed a fairly comfortable night’s work. Passing was a little loose when he tried to go long.

Marc Cucurella 7

Won the ball to kick-start the move that led to Chelsea scoring the opening goal of the game. Got forward when he could and looked threatening.

Moises Caicedo 7

Typically busy in the midfield as he made his presence known, making more tackles than anyone in the first half.

Romeo Lavia 6

One of two half-time substitutions. Had some bright moments before coming off and helped Chelsea to have 65 per cent possession in the first half.

Pedro Neto 8 | Star player

Showed great composure for his goal. Caused LAFC problems with his electric pace and combined well with Cole Palmer. Hit the crossbar with the last kick of the game.

Cole Palmer 7

Produced some magical moments, including one brilliant solo run in the second half. Wasted a great chance when Neto teed him up.

Noni Madueke 6

Started brightly and was Chelsea’s best player in the opening 20 minutes, testing Hugo Lloris with a good effort. Outshone by Neto, though.

Nicolas Jackson 7

Put in a good showing and created the only goal of the opening period with a lovely pass that found Neto. Had a header cleared off the line in the second half.

Substitutes

Enzo Fernandez (Lavia 45’) 7

On at the break and scored a late goal by getting on the end of Delap’s cross. Timed his run perfectly.

Malo Gusto (James 45’) 5

So nearly caught out of position when a ball over the top found Bouanga, but Sanchez bailed him.

Liam Delap (Jackson 64’) 7

On for his Chelsea debut and looked really sharp. Set up Fernandez’s goal with a perfect cross into the box.

Tyrique George (Madueke 64’) 5

A quiet cameo from the winger, who never really got into the game.

Dario Essugo (Caicedo 84’) N/A

Christopher Nkunku (Palmer 84’) N/A

Subs not used: Jorgensen, Sarr, Chalobah, Badiashile, Acheampong, Anselmino, Dewsbury-Hall, Andrey Santos, Marc Guiu.