Joao Pedro got the nod to start ahead of Liam Delap in Chelsea’s 4-1 win against AC Milan on Sunday.
And it did not take Pedro long to justify Enzo Maresca‘s decision, with the Brazilian scoring in the eighth minute.
Eventually, Delap was brought on and was also able to make an impact, grabbing a brace for his side.
Before the match, former Manchester City defender Micah Richards discussed Delap, claiming that the 22-year-old would not be a starter at Chelsea this season. But after his performance against Milan, he has given his chances of being named in the first XI for the Crystal Palace game a big boost.
Joao Pedro of Chelsea FC acknowledges the fans as he is substituted during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final
Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images
Joao Pedro was ‘very happy’ for Liam Delap in Chelsea’s 4-1 win against AC Milan
Despite being competitors for the same spot, Pedro was seen applauding Delap after each of his two goals against Milan.
The 23-year-old explained that he was happy for his teammate after he blanked in Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen last Friday, hence his reaction over the weekend.
When asked about his reaction to Delap’s brace, Pedro told 5: “I don’t want to say competition, I think it is very good for Chelsea to have both strikers at a good level. In the last game, he did not score. Today, he scored two goals. I am very happy for him.”
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
Pedro and Delap will now be hoping to start in Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Palace.
After that, the Blues have two more London derbies before the first international break of the 2025/26 campaign.
With Pedro putting in another strong performance against Milan and in excellent form right now, Chelsea supporters will be feeling confident going into the three fixtures.
Chelsea's Liam Delap running against Los Angeles Football Club in the Club World Cup.
Photo by Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Joao Pedro and Liam Delap could both start against Crystal Palace
While Pedro and Delap prefer to play in the No.9 position, it is not impossible that Maresca starts both players against Palace.
Pedro is also capable of playing as a left winger. There is no reason why the Brazil international cannot start out wide, while Delap is used up front.
Chelsea have Jamie Gittens for the left flank and he looked really exciting at times during the Blues’ two pre-season friendlies. However, he has lacked an end product and has perhaps not done enough to earn a start yet, or at least in comparison to Pedro and Delap.