Former forward excited about competition for Chelsea strikers at FIFA Club World Cup

Chelsea opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over LAFC, and an impressive performance against the MLS side.

Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez were on target in the victory, but despite not getting on the score sheet, it was the Blues' two strikers who all the talk was about following the game. 


Both Nicolas Jackson and debutant Liam Delap were on hand to assist the goals and each stake a claim for Chelsea's sole striking berth against Flamengo on Friday. 

The competition for places in a key area is something that former Stamford Bridge striker Tore Andre Flo feels can only benefit the club. 

Speaking exclusively to DAZN News, thanks to BestBettingSites.co.uk, the Norwegian is excited to see the battle in his old club's front line. 

He said, "It’s the same at every big club when they buy a new striker, the pressure is on from the start. But at the same time, they had Nicolas Jackson who did very well as the first choice last season.

"So I think it’s a situation where the two will know they’re going to be sharing the playing time. I think the manager will use pre-season and the Club World Cup to make up his mind, and give them both a chance to stake their claim.

"I think the problem last year was that Jackson did well. He did well, but when he was a bit out of form they didn't have that other striker to take over. I feel almost like they could share a bit of the pressure now. 

"But obviously Delap would come in and have expectations on him, that's for sure. But I also think there's a good striker in Jackson. 

"He's developing and he can do well. I think it could be good for him to have this competition. So I'm excited to see who's going to push on." 


Chelsea are seen as a team that could go all the way in the United States, but Flo has played down any notion that Enzo Maresca's side would be favourites for the competition. 

Instead, he believes the current European champions are the ones to beat, but also named the Blues' next opponents as possible dark horses in the competition. 

"I think that PSG would be a natural choice," he added. 

"I think when you saw what they did in the Champions League, that was incredible. So they are definitely in great form. But it's hard to say. I would say that Flamengo, also, are a team that might be able to pull off a surprise and do something good at the tournament.

"I think the South American teams are looking to take this as an opportunity. I think if any team from outside Europe will do well, it will be Flamengo, and it’ll be exciting if someone from outside Europe can do well." 

   

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