Chelsea kick-started their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over LAFC as they saw off the MLS side with ease.
Liam Delap managed to get an assist on his Chelsea debut as he set up Enzo Fernandez, who doubled Chelsea’s lead in the second half.
Pedro Neto also got his name on the scoresheet as the former Wolves forward impressed against LAFC, alongside Cole Palmer.
But two of Enzo Maresca’s top attackers had very tricky afternoons in the United States and both scored 5/10 based on their performances.
Liam Delap making his debut for Chelsea during the FIFA Club World Cup clash against Los Angeles.
Photo by Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Robert Sanchez – 7
Chelsea missed out on Mike Maignan just before the FIFA Club World Cup transfer deadline, and Robert Sanchez was the man tasked with being the Blues’ number one.
The Spaniard actually looked quite impressive against LAFC and was called into action on several occasions making some decent saves.
Reece James – 6
Reece James was only able to manage 45 minutes against LAFC and wasn’t particularly tested by the MLS side in the first half.
The Blues looked significantly more vulnerable after he was subbed off at the break for Malo Gusto, who again disappointed.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 7
Chelsea’s back line allowed LAFC six attempts at goal, but Tosin Adarabioyo still managed a solid performance at the back for the Blues.
The defender completed more accurate passes and had more touches than any other player on the pitch.
Levi Colwill – 7
Levi Colwill was equally as solid at the back for the West London club as he won all three of his defensive duels against LAFC.
Marc Cucurella – 6
Marc Cucurella had a relatively quiet afternoon in Atlanta, Georgia as the Spanish international played his part in helping Chelsea keep a clean sheet.
Romeo Lavia – 5
Romeo Lavia’s struggles at Chelsea continue as he was forced off at the break and replaced by the scorer of the second goal, Fernandez. He lost possession on five occasions and won three of his seven duels.
Moises Caicedo – 7
Moises Caicedo went down with a minor shin injury and Maresca will be hoping it was nothing serious. The midfielder was once again excellent for Chelsea.
Pedro Neto – 8
Neto was pretty lively down the right side for Chelsea and was given the official Man of the Match award by the competition.
The Portuguese international broke the deadlock with a nice goal, as he showed great composure in the penalty area to score the goal past Hugo Lloris.
Cole Palmer – 8
Of course, Palmer ran the show for Chelsea as he pulled the strings in attack, having several efforts come close to getting his name on the scoresheet.
Noni Madueke – 5
Chelsea fans slammed Noni Madueke’s performance as the winger struggled to make an impact on the game.
The winger managed to lose possession on ten occasions throughout the match before being hauled off after 64 minutes.
Nicolas Jackson – 5
Nicolas Jackson was just as poor as Madueke, as he highlighted exactly why the Blues moved to sign Delap.
The striker also came off alongside Madueke as he managed just 26 touches and two attempts at goal.
Substitutes
Liam Delap – 7
Delap marked his first display in a Chelsea shirt with an assist as he took his time to pick out Fernandez, who finished well from close range. The striker looked determined to make an impact on his debut.
Malo Gusto – 5
Chelsea will need to consider investing in another right-back if James is unable to stay fit, as Gusto struggled yet again when he came on.
Enzo Fernandez – 7
Fernandez continues to prove why he is seen as Chelsea’s best midfielder and he did so well to score their second goal of the match.
Tyrique George – 6