Chelsea's superior attacking quality was proven against LAFC at the FIFA Club World Cup. Whether that will be maintained for longer is a question mark for some members of the Blues' squad this summer.
Coach Enzo Maresca confirmed during the pre-match preparation with LAFC that the club is looking for a winger, after deciding not to sign a long-term contract with Jadon Sancho from Manchester United.
With Mykhailo Mudryk also suspended pending the results of the investigation into positive drug testing, The Blues have eyes on Dortmund's Jamie Gittens. However, the two sides have not been able to agree on the fee.
That has put the current Blues squad under closer scrutiny. In that context, Pedro Neto reacted impressively, while Noni Madueke was lackluster.
Neto's opening goal in the 34th minute was a high-quality moment in an ordinary match. From Nicolas Jackson's pass, Neto escaped down the right wing. The Portuguese striker turned the ball away to the LAFC defender, led into the penalty area and shot to the near corner.
Chelsea struggled a bit after that, but new signing Liam Delap spoke up at the right time after coming on for Jackson in the 64th minute. Shortly after entering the field, the Blues rookie made his mark with a cross from the right wing for Enzo Fernandez to control and cross-angle to seal the score at 2-0.
This was not a performance that created great confidence that Chelsea could go far in this tournament. The FIFA Club World Cup is just the beginning of Chelsea's preparation for the new season.
Neto hit the crossbar to close out an effective match. In contrast, Madueke wasted some good opportunities. For Jackson, he responded better to the new pressure on his shoulders, despite having to leave the pitch without a goal.
Delap's appearance may not be the end of Chelsea's interest in recruiting a central striker, with Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike being considered. Therefore, this tournament is an opportunity for Jackson and Delap to affirm their worth.
" competition is always a positive thing. This is football and this is a great club. It will always be difficult, but I think you have to develop thanks to competition.
Helping the team is very important, but I also want to score. That was a very happy feeling for me. I am very excited to be here, playing my first match and contributing to the team.
It felt wonderful. Everyone welcomed me very well. I only had a few training sessions here, but I can't wait any longer to have more training sessions and matches" - Delap said.
Palmer was one of the attractions for fans on the pitch. And if Palmer's relationship with Jackson is the main reason for the Senegalese international to keep his position in the team, Delap has also made positive strides.
Delap turned behind LAFC's defense twice to receive a pass from Palmer. These were the first signs of the duo's chemistry.
"I am very happy with Delap's performance. The important thing is that Delap understands how the team operates, so it does not take much time to learn. Today, I also have a chance to play Dario Essugo. He has just arrived so this is a good opportunity to gain experience" - the Italian captain said.
Chelsea will have their next match in Philadelphia, where Flamengo are waiting for them. This could be a more difficult challenge for Chelsea. However, it will be another opportunity for the Blues' strikers to dispel any doubts.
