Liam Delap, the new “number 9” of Chelsea runs like a bull and likes physical competitions. The strange thing is that English football has focused on training agile and technical players in recent years. England has a lot of numbers 10 but missing 9.
Who will replace Harry Kane when the striker of Bayern Munich retired? Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney are both 29 years old and Dominic Solanke are both 27 years old. Delap may be expected a lot but he is a classic “number 9”, a chu tree between the laser weapon era.
Of course, let's not be in a hurry. Although coach Enzo Maresca has supported Delap to become the next “No. 9” player of England, it is important to maintain the view. Delap has never been recruited and has not been the perfect player.
The 22 -year -old has only one play in the Premier League and cannot help Ipswich from the risk of relegation despite scoring 12 goals in 37 matches. Delap must give up some rude habits and increase the sophistication in the physical gameplay. He received 13 yellow cards last season, and had just received a yellow card when Chelsea lost to Flamengo at the Club World Cup.
“Obviously, last season I was able to play in the Premier League and know what VAR. I will have to get used to it,” said the 30 million -pound rookie of Chelsea. NHM Chelsea will like the rough power of Delap. The most obvious comparison is with Diego Costa, a wrestler with terrible power.
Nicolas Jackson, Delap's direct competitor for a main kick, harmed himself when he was kicked out of the pitch because of a bad ball against Flamengo. Delap wants to protect his teammates: “Everyone plays close to their advantages,” he said. “Must be fierce, direct attack”.
But surely he was aware that this gives him the opportunity to impress Maresca while Jackson was suspended. Delap will start when Chelsea find tickets to the 1/8 round by winning at least 1 point when confronting Esperance in Philadelphia.
There have been encouraging steps. Delap had a tectonic phase when he entered the pitch in the Chelsea's launch against Los Angeles last week and he almost scored against Flamengo. He is very happy to cooperate with his old friend Cole Palmer at Man City's Academy. Chelsea hopes Palmer will continue to grant Delap.
Delap ignored the curse that the number 9 shirt at Chelsea was cursed. Mateja Kezman, Romelu Lukaku, Fernando Torres and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are the number 9 players who have had difficulties at Chelsea. Delap is ready to create his own path.
Delap received everything gently. He talked about keeping everything as simple as possible, whether preparing for the match with an unpleasant defender or making a decision about his career. The great performances at Ipswich were enough to spark a war of British signature.
MU, Newcastle, Everton and Nottingham are among the clubs who want Delap. MU's hope has really ended after the defeat against Tottenham in the Europa League final. Chelsea is definitely more attractive after the Champions League. Who doesn't like to play in the Champions League.
In addition, Delap is the former student of Maresca at Man City. “I have a good relationship with the coach and know his football system, because I have played in this system before. I know a lot of players here, know the club's project, know how they see the future. That's what makes me excited.”
Delap had to make a choice to attend the World Cup Club instead of the U21 European Cup. “It was obviously belonging to the U21 team, but I signed a contract with Chelsea, so I had to go to the United States to Club World Cup. I need to get acquainted with everyone. That will help me prepare very well. This is a high -class tournament.”
Thomas Tuchel, the head coach of England, told Delap that you should prove yourself at the highest level after eliminating him from the main squad last month. The successful season with Chelsea will give him the opportunity to attend the 2026 World Cup.
