Jackson vs Delap: Ex-Chelsea defender wades in on Maresca’s starting striker

Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson (Credit: Chelsea FC)

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Liam Delap has commended on Nicolas Jackson's red card in Chelsea's loss to Flamengo (Credit: Chelsea FC)

Jackson vs Delap: Ex-Chelsea defender wades in on Maresca’s starting striker

Seye Omidiora 09:26 - 17.06.2025

Mario Melchiot has commented on Chelsea’s centre-forward options after the Blues’ 2-0 win over LAFC in the Club World Cup.

Former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot has analysed Enzo Maresca’s striker options after the Blues’ 2-0 Club World Cup victory over Los Angeles FC

Although neither Nicolas Jackson nor new signing Liam Delap did not score, both men set up the goals with Jackson assisting Pedro Neto and Delap expertly found Enzo Fernandez to double the Premier League club’s advantage late on. 

Having been an area of conversation before the start of the competition, Maresca’s forwards played commendably in their first competitive game; Jackson got 60 minutes and the Englishman played for a half-hour. 

Liam Delap
Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson (Credit: Chelsea FC) Liam Delap replaced Nicolas Jackson in Chelsea's win over LAFC (Credit: Chelsea FC)

Melchiot wades in on Jackson vs Delap

Melchiot, who joined Chelsea in 1999 and left in 2004, has commented on Maresca's centre-forward options.

“I think Jackson is going to start,” said the retired Dutch defender. “It comes down to Jackson doing the job that he has to do.

“If he doesn’t do it, Delap is going to get his chance. Now he (Jackson) has got the competition and we will see how he handles that.

“We cannot compare Ipswich with Chelsea. Can he (Delap) produce better than Jackson is going to do?”

What’s next for Chelsea?

After Monday’s win over LAFC, Chelsea will play Flamengo on June 20 and ES Tunis five days later in their Club World Cup campaign.