Enzo Maresca revealed why he selected Chelsea New Boy Liam Delap for Nicolas Jackson for their second club World Cup command against Flamengo.
The Blues boss made four changes after their 2-0 win over Lafc and handed £ 30 million signing Delap his first start in Philadelphia on Friday evening.
Delap, who made an impression on an assist from the bank against Lafc, scored almost within six minutes when he forced a rescue from Augustin Rossi before Pedro Neto Chelsea led.
The former Ipswich star is insisting on the regular starting striker of Chelsea and is armed with the number nine shirt.
Only because they are both very good and we decide game per game that will play. But also some new players such as Chalobah play from the start. I have made some changes and hopefully they are good.
Maresca explained: 'They are quite similar (Delap and Jackson). I think Liam also needs some time to adapt to his teammates, the way we want to play – as we want him to play.
“But he will undoubtedly do well.”
Delap hit 12 goals in all competitions last season when Ipswich relegation suffered from the Premier League.
Jackson, meanwhile, who signed from Villarreal for £ 32 million in 2023, set 13 goals and six Assist's last campaign.
John Obi Mikel offered a comparison of the young stars on Dazn and said: 'I think they are both comparable players. I think Enzo says the right thing there.
'This guy (Delap), we saw some flash when he came in the first game. He can run behind, he is also good on the ball. He was short when he went and ran behind.
'So for me he is fast, he is strong and there (play on the screen again), he used his pace to go further than the defender. He pressed high, what we want to see.
“So they both do the same. They are both very good strikers, but the manager has made it clear, whoever plays, becomes the one who plays. '
Delap insisted on a goal on his full debut, racing along the defense on a long ball in the second half, but was refused by a last handle of Leo Pereira.
But he just couldn't find it and was replaced by Jackson in the 64th minute.