Delap shines on debut, Jackson superb, Madueke poor – Chelsea player ratings vs Los Angeles FC

Chelsea have kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with three points against Los Angeles FC at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Pedro Neto put the Blues ahead on 34 minutes after being found by Nicolas Jackson. The Portuguese winger cut in on his left foot and made Chelsea’s dominance pay with a deadly finish.

Enzo Fernandez then doubled Chelsea’s lead late into the second-half after being found via a wonderful cross from debutant Liam Delap. From then on, it was effectively a training session for the Blues.

It was a fine performance from a Chelsea perspective. Nothing to write home about but enough to get the job done, with a 2-0 victory in front of 22,000 fans in Atlanta.

Below, Bobby Vincent rates the Chelsea players that featured out of 10.

Robert Sanchez – 6

After all the talk in recent weeks of Mike Maignan arriving at Stamford Bridge, Sanchez started the Club World Cup opener. Does well to prevent Denis Bouanga’s fierce effort not too long into the second-half at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Bouanga went close again on 81 minutes but Sanchez was equal to it once more.

Reece James – 7

After getting a taste of lifting a trophy for Chelsea last month, James will be hoping to do similar in July. Bouanga was a bit of a livewire for LAFC but James dealt with him well. Off at the half-time interval.

Tosin Adarabioyo – 6

Pretty quiet game, to be honest. He fouled a few times in the first-half, a bit needlessly, and was booked just before the break. Defended well, though.

Levi Colwill – 6

Colwill had a quiet game. Passed it well but was never really threatened by the American team’s attacking players.

Marc Cucurella – 7

Great on the ball as usual. Pops up in some really dangerous areas. For Neto’s goal, he was in loads of space across goal for a tap-in – which tells you everything you need to know about his role in this Chelsea side.

Romeo Lavia – 7

Good to see him starting again. Gives the ball away on eight minutes but was so quick and determined to win possession back. And he did, of course. He always looks to break the lines and get Chelsea going in attacking positions. Off at half-time.

Moises Caicedo – 7

An absolute machine. His 55th match of the season for club and country. The early indications were that it was not affecting him – winning the ball back in advanced positions a couple of times, as he does so well.

Pedro Neto – 8

Neto was out on the right calling for the ball a lot but Chelsea seemed to use the left-hand side a lot more for whatever reason. However, when they did go down the right on 34 minutes, the Blues opened the deadlock.

A fantastic ball from Jackson set Neto away and the Portugal international evaded one challenge before cutting in and firing the ball past Hugo Lloris.

Cole Palmer – 5

Palmer donned the No.10 shirt for the first time at Chelsea. Went close in the first-half with a long-range strike. Perhaps not on the ball as much as he would have liked but looked to inflict his magic whenever he was in possession. Misses a good opportunity on 70 minutes.

Noni Madueke – 5

Starting on the left wing due to Chelsea’s shortage of options out there following Jadon Sancho’s departure. Fails to control the ball in the box twice early on in what looked a couple of decent goal scoring opportunities for Madueke.

Has a great chance to score on 17 minutes but saw his low effort saved by the feet of Lloris.

Nicolas Jackson – 8

Preferred to Delap from the start in Atlanta. Linked up with his teammates well. Set up a good opportunity for Madueke early on. Does excellently to set Neto up for his goal. Unfortunate not to have a goal for himself with his header deflecting narrowly wide early in the second period.

A fantastic performance from Chelsea’s No.15.

Enzo Fernandez (on for Lavia 46′) – 7

On at half-time for Lavia. Kept the game ticking over nicely. Almost scored after Delap’s cutback. Does score from Delap’s cross moments later. Exceptional touch and finish from the Argentina international.

Malo Gusto (on for James 46′) – 4

He also comes on for the second-half. Had the opportunity to play Jackson through not long after coming on but his pass was overhit. Crucially, he was then out of position down the other end and LA nearly levelled the game. Gusto was once again caught out for the Bouanga chance on 81 minutes. Not a great showing.

Liam Delap (on for Jackson 64′) – 7

A Chelsea debut for the 22-year-old. His first action was to shove the LA captain to the floor, which sums up his aggression. Sets up a great chance for Enzo Fernandez moments after being introduced with a wonderful piece of play. It deserved an assist.

But Fernandez was on hand to ensure the £30million signing did get an assist on his debut. Delap’s cross was controlled well and finished even better by the Argentine.

Tyrique George (on for Madueke 64′) – 6

Good to see the teenager come on to get some minutes. Didn’t get involved too much but expect to see more of him as the competition progresses.

Dario Essugo (on for Caicedo 84′) – N/A

Nice to see him get his debut.

Christopher Nkunku (on for Palmer 84′) – N/A

Some minutes.