Liam Delap sends Nicolas Jackson message over Chelsea striker battle after debut impact

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·16 Juni 2025

Liam Delap sends Nicolas Jackson message over Chelsea striker battle after debut impact

New £30million signing ready for the fight ahead as both forwards impress with an assist apiece in opening Club World Cup win over LAFC

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Liam Delap says he will “thrive” off the competition with Nicolas Jackson to be Chelsea’s No9.

Delap made his debut for Chelsea on Monday night after joining the Blues from Ipswich earlier this month for £30million.

The striker set up Enzo Fernandez for Chelsea’s second goal as they kicked off their Club World Cup campaign by beating LAFC 2-0.

Jackson assisted Chelsea’s other goal, teeing up Pedro Neto in the first half, and Delap is relishing the prospect of a battle to be the Blues’ starting striker.

“I think it is always healthy to have competition, it is football,” Delap told DAZN. “This is an incredible club and so it is always going to be hard, but I think you have got to thrive off the competition.

“It’s a really happy feeling for me [to make my Chelsea debut]. I’m so excited to be here and to play my first game and to contribute is a good feeling.

“They (the Chelsea squad) have welcomed me really well. I have only had a few sessions here but I cannot wait for even more. It is really important to help the team, but I want to score some as well.”

Jackson was Chelsea’s first-choice striker last season and he was given the nod to start against LAFC.

The Senegal international put in a good performance and he had a header cleared off the line in the second half.

Enzo Maresca has given Delap no assurances that he will replace Jackson in the starting lineup, but has praised the 22-year-old for getting up to speed quickly.

Delap worked with Maresca during his youth career at Manchester City and is familiar with the Chelsea boss’ style of play.

“The good thing about Liam is that he knows the way we want to play, so the process is quite quick,” said Maresca.

“Also we gave a chance to Dario Essugo, that is another player [we have], so it’s good for both of them.

“Overall the performance has been good and we won the game. It was a very good result. At this stage of the season it is also normal that you have to manage different kinds of things.”