Chelsea’s new fan favourite on “relief” of making his mark with superb goal | OneFootball

Liam Delap was set up nicely to be the star of Chelsea’s Club World Cup – a new striker signing arriving just in time to feature for the Blues – and so far he’s grabbed that chance.

The number 9 got an assist on his debut, crossing a perfect ball for Enzo Fernandez against LAFC, and then had the favour returned last night when the Argentine played him in nicely to slot his first Chelsea goal away against ES Tunis.

Delap on “incredible feeling” after scoring first Chelsea goal

Liam Delap in action against ES Tunis.(Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

“It’s an incredible feeling. I came here to get goals so to get the first one over and done with is a great feeling,” the former Ipswich striker said.

“It was a great pass from Enzo but luckily it went in. Yes, I think it it is a little bit of relief, not relief but an extra bit of confidence, when coming to a place like this you need confidence and belief.

“It’s right up there [with my favourite goals] and it means a lot to me. Obviously, this tournament has helped me settle in because back at the training ground everyone disappears at 3pm but here – we are together all the time and it has helped me settle in.

“I know the manager really well so hopefully I can continue growing.”

Delap dodges crucial caution and will line up against Benfica

Nicolas Jackson’s red card against Flamengo cleared the path for Delap to play last night, and now that ban has been extended for an extra game, we know that the Englishman will face Benfica in the next round too.

He would have been suspended too had he picked up a third caution of the group stage, but as he explained post game he managed to stay out of the book and now can play some much more serious opposition:

“I tried not to get a yellow card because I would be suspended for the next game. We’ve got to focus on Benfica and go there fighting to get to the next round. I came to this club to play on big stages like this.”