Liam Delap didn’t just score his first Chelsea goal against Esperance — he gave fans a glimpse of what could become a defining trait of his game at Stamford Bridge: ruthless efficiency.

Thrown into the spotlight at the FIFA Club World Cup due to Nicolas Jackson’s suspension, Delap grasped the opportunity with both hands. In a first half that offered little in terms of inspiration, it was Delap who consistently looked like Chelsea’s best bet for a breakthrough. His energy, aggression and movement gave life to a sluggish Chelsea attack — and when the moment finally came, it was pure quality.

His goal, scored with the final touch of the first half, was a masterclass in centre-forward play. Delap controlled the ball on the half-turn with a clever touch off his right thigh, shielding it from a pressing defender with maturity beyond his years. In two more touches, he glided past another challenge and slotted past Esperance goalkeeper Ben Said with clinical composure. The Tunisian defenders barely had time to react.

That goal encapsulated everything Chelsea have been yearning to see more consistently from Jackson: strength, sharpness, and composure in the box. Delap delivered it all in one moment — a calm and calculated finish in a pressure situation.

Of course, the opposition wasn’t elite. But Delap can only play what’s in front of him, and he made a clear point: he is ready to compete for a place in Enzo Maresca’s plans. The decisiveness he showed could be exactly what Chelsea’s attack has been missing — especially in tight games where moments of individual quality make all the difference.

Delap’s debut goal might have come at a secondary tournament, but if Chelsea are to go deep in the Club World Cup — and build momentum heading into the new season — they’ll need more of this. The 22-year-old just gave Maresca a serious selection headache, and Chelsea fans a reason to believe they’ve got something special on their hands.