Liam Delap faces a potentially crucial period at Chelsea despite his recent arrival.
The £30 million forward netted his inaugural goal for his new squad, and developments elsewhere have elevated his standing in the competition for the central striking role.
FIFA`s decision to double the ban for his rival, Nicolas Jackson, means Delap is set to lead the attack again against Benfica on Saturday, as the Club World Cup knockout stages commence.
Given his current form, it`s highly probable that Delap could solidify his position as the primary striker by the close of June and not look back.
The 22-year-old Delap now boasts a goal and an assist, albeit against subpar opposition in a tournament that`s physically demanding, even without challenging weather.
Meanwhile, Jackson is sidelined, reflecting on his regrettable moment of indiscipline when he put his studs into an opponent`s shin in the prior match.
A reckless action that could also have lasting consequences for him.
While many Chelsea supporters in England were sleeping, Delap provided the much-needed spark the team has lacked for months.
With his physically strong yet composed style and traditional rolled-down socks, the Blues might finally possess a dependable central striker for consistent weekly selection.
Besides his goal (which was Chelsea`s second) at the conclusion of a rather slow first half, Delap also saw a powerful header cleared off the line and was denied another scoring opportunity by a last-ditch tackle earlier on.
Handling the pressure and physicality is key for a forward in competitive matches. Jackson is struggling with this aspect.
He`s currently suspended from two different competitions, having also received a red card against Newcastle in the Premier League last month for elbowing Sven Botman.
Despite a largely uninspiring display from a significantly altered Chelsea lineup against weak opponents, they secured passage to the last 16, initiated by Tosin`s headed goal.
The tall defender connected with an Enzo Fernandez free-kick three minutes into first-half stoppage time.
Even though a draw would have been sufficient, taking the lead was a significant relief for a side featuring eight changes from the previous match – a 3-1 loss to Brazilian club Flamengo.
Delap scored again just two minutes after Tosin`s opener, securing the victory. This result sees Chelsea finish as Group D runners-up and travel to Miami this morning to establish their base before heading to Charlotte, North Carolina, for Saturday afternoon`s UK time knockout match against Benfica.
The positive takeaway is that they avoid a potential encounter with Harry Kane and Bayern Munich for the time being.
Manager Enzo Maresca waited until the opposition had no chance of a comeback before making further substitutions, replacing Fernandez and giving midfielder Andrey Santos his debut.
Santos has been a Chelsea player for two and a half years but has spent that time on loan at Nottingham Forest and affiliate club Strasbourg.
Delap was substituted just before the hour mark, receiving warm applause from the local fans. The longer Chelsea remain in the tournament, the more comfortable he appears in filling Jackson`s role.
Substitute Tyrique George completed the scoring in the fifth minute of seven added minutes with a powerful strike that the Tunis goalkeeper couldn`t hold.
