FIFA Club World Cup: John Obi Mikel delivers verdict on Delap

Former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel believes Liam Delap has added a new dimension to their attack and sees no reason why Enzo Maresca’s side cannot win the FIFA Club World Cup.

Three games into his Chelsea career at the tournament – where every game is free to watch on DAZN – and the £30 million summer signing from Ipswich already looks at home.

The 22-year-old England Under-21 striker scored his first goal for the club in their final group game against ES Tunis on Wednesday.

Chelsea vs ES Tunis highlights

Mikel, who is working as a pundit for DAZN during the Club World Cup, won 11 trophies in an 11-year spell at Chelsea.

The legendary ex-midfielder told DAZN: “What has Liam Delap added to the attack? Loads.

“I think his movement on the pitch, he’s very good on the ball, he’s very physical and he will score goals for us.

“That’s something that he will add to the team.”

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Chelsea qualified for the Champions League and won the Conference League during Maresca’s first season in charge during the 2024-25 campaign.

Now they are aiming to go all the way in the newly-expanded Club World Cup and Mikel is in an optimistic mood ahead of their Round of 16 clash with Benfica.

He added: “We’re doing well and we started well obviously.

“I believe in the team, in what we’re doing, and the project we have, so I hope we can go all the way.”

All the African representatives have been eliminated from the 2025 World Cup, meaning no team from the continent will be part of the last 16 of the competition.

The flag bearers were Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Al Ahly (Egypt), Espérance (Tunisia) and Wydad Casablanca (Morocco) and Mikel said he enjoyed watching them play.

He said: “They’ve done well, but obviously when you’re playing top sides from Europe and South America it’s quite tough.

“But I think they represented themselves really well and had a great tournament.

“It’s difficult to go through to the next round, but let’s hope that this is just a platform for the players to showcase their talent.

“That’s the most important thing and the money they will get will go a long way for the clubs, which is something very important.

“They can hold their heads high and hopefully come back next time.”

Mikel was asked which star from the Club World Cup most reminded him of himself and he named two players including Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo.

He replied: “I played against Sergio Busquets [of Inter Miami] who I really admired.

“In my time, we had great battles together and I really enjoyed the way he played.

“Caicedo is another player I admire and he reminds me of a young John Obi Mikel.”

Watch every match of the 2025 Club World Cup live and free on DAZN.  More information and to sign up for a free account here