Chelsea’s latest triumph at the Club World Cup wasn’t just about lifting a trophy — it was a showcase of new dynamics, fresh chemistry, and a few big talking points for manager Enzo Maresca.

Monday night’s victory over Los Angeles FC gave fans a peek into what’s brewing behind the scenes at the Blues camp — from Cole Palmer’s evolving role to Enzo Fernández’s growing goal presence and Liam Delap’s £30 million debut impact.

Let’s break down everything that went down.

Cole Palmer Is Taking the Reins

After helping Chelsea seal their Conference League title in Poland, Cole Palmer made headlines not just for his performance but also for his honest words.

He confessed he was tired of playing it safe — passing sideways and backwards — and decided to shake things up.

That comment clearly caught Enzo Maresca’s attention.

The Chelsea boss brought it up after the LAFC match, saying he asked Palmer the next day, “Why wait? You can play like that from the first minute.”

Maresca couldn’t have been more pleased this time around.

Against LAFC, Palmer played with creativity and intent, exactly the kind of energy Maresca wants to see.

Though he didn’t score or assist, he pulled strings all over the pitch.

Pedro Neto Responds to the Heat

Pedro Neto, Chelsea’s right-wing workhorse, had to face the media after winning FIFA’s “Superior Player of the Match” (yes, that’s really what they call it).

He’s been trying to level up his goal contributions, especially with Brazilian prodigy Estevao Willian arriving soon.

When asked if Estevao’s arrival threatens his spot, Neto kept it classy: “I focus on myself.

I’m here to help.”

And help he did — his opening goal against LAFC showed exactly why he still deserves a spot.

Liam Delap Makes His Mark

£30 million might seem steep for a young forward, but Liam Delap is starting to show why Chelsea shelled it out.

His pinpoint cross to Enzo Fernández set up one of the goals of the match.

It was Delap’s debut, and it looks like he’s adapting quickly to Maresca’s system — even if it’s a learning curve compared to his time under Kieran McKenna at Ipswich.

Delap’s assist might just give him the edge in the striker rotation ahead of Nicolas Jackson.

Enzo Fernández: From Midfield Anchor to Goal Threat

Enzo Fernández has clearly been listening to his coach.

Maresca has been urging him to break into the box more often, and against LAFC, the Argentine did just that — scoring from Delap’s delivery.

With Moises Caicedo covering defensive duties, Fernández is free to roam forward, and his growing confidence in those attacking runs is starting to pay off.

This could be a breakout season for him in front of goal.

Reece James and Romeo Lavia Get the Soft Touch

Reece James and Romeo Lavia both came off at halftime — not because of form, but precaution.

Chelsea’s medical staff and Maresca have agreed on tailored plans for injury-prone players, especially those dealing with recurring hamstring issues.

With the muggy American conditions pushing physical limits, Chelsea’s taking no risks.

Keeping their captain fit for the long haul is clearly a priority.

Who’s Leading the Line Against Flamengo?

The next big question: Who starts up front for Chelsea against Flamengo?

Maresca isn’t one to give away his full hand — especially when it comes to outfield players.

While he’s open about his goalkeeping choices, the striker debate is still up in the air.

Between Delap’s debut showing and Jackson’s experience, it’s a tight race.

Maresca is expected to rotate his forwards during the tournament, giving both a fair shot. But for now, Delap might just have the slight edge.

What’s Next?

Chelsea head to Philadelphia for their next Club World Cup fixture against Flamengo, and all eyes will be on Maresca’s lineup decisions.

Whether it’s Palmer’s free rein, Neto’s wing battles, or Delap’s growing confidence — the Blues are building momentum with every match.

And if this is Chelsea’s so-called “experimental phase,” they’re off to a pretty solid start.