Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel believes new striker Liam Delap wasn’t the man fans wanted to see arrive at Stamford Bridge this summer.
Speaking on DAZN’s coverage of Chelsea’s Club World Cup opener, a 2-0 victory over Los Angeles FC on Monday, the former Nigeria international named a compatriot when explaining who he thought was a more popular choice.
‘We need someone to come in, score goals and finish those chances,’ said Mikel, who played over 200 times for Chelsea.
‘Obviously, he [Delap] isn’t the guy the fans wanted. We know who the fans wanted.
‘The fans wanted Victor Osimhen to come to the club but he didn’t.
‘Obviously the club decided to go with Delap. He’s young, he’s gonna get better.
John Obi Mikel says that fans wanted Victor Osimhen but the club opted for Liam Delap
Mikel John Obi made over 200 appearances for Chelsea in an 11-year stint at Stamford Bridge
Mikel John Obi was speaking on DAZN’s coverage of Chelsea’s opener in the Club World Cup
‘Hopefully he hits the ground running and then he’s gonna quieten those doubters.
‘I wish him well, I hope he succeeds at this club. I think he can.
‘The runs I saw today, running behind defenders, I think he can be the guy to finish those chances.’
Delap, 22, recently joined Chelsea from Ipswich in a £30 million move.
He made his debut for the club on Monday evening, recording an assist in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over LAFC in front of a sparse crowd in Atlanta.
Mikel praised the youngster’s contribution but believes he will start next season as second choice under Enzo Maresca.
‘But, Nic Jackson, let’s not forget, I still think he will be the main man,’ he said.
‘He just needs to work on his finishing. I still think he’s gonna be the guy to start the season.
Liam Delap replaced Nicolas Jackson to make his club debut during the Club World Cup
Mikel John Obi believes that Jackson will start the season as Enzo Maresca’s first choice
Delap only signed for Chelsea this month and Mikel believes he will be the back-up next year
‘During the season, if he’s not scoring then Delap gets his opportunity.
‘Healthy competition is really important.’
Chelsea’s next Club World Cup clash is on Friday against Brazilian side Flamengo.