Could Liam Delap Be Chelsea’s Next Striker? A Realistic Option Under Current Recruitment Model

While Chelsea ideally needs an elite, proven striker, Liam Delap could be a viable option given the club’s current recruitment approach. His physicality, finishing, and style of play align with the team’s needs, though concerns remain about his experience at the top level.

Original Source
Si Philips Talks Chelsea
Written by
Steve Worrell
24 Feb
22:21
Transfer News

The1905.Club Summary

Liam Delap, at just 22, has gained nearly 100 senior appearances across multiple clubs, making him a more seasoned option compared to other young signings Chelsea has made recently. While the preference would be for a proven, experienced striker like Viktor Gyokeres or Victor Osimhen, Delap’s attributes—tenacity, aerial ability, and strong finishing—could make him a valuable addition.

The Athletic

His shot accuracy of 51% is superior to several established Premier League forwards, and managers like Enzo Maresca and Kieran McKenna have praised his development. However, while Delap fits Chelsea’s attacking needs, there’s no guarantee he would seamlessly transition to a club of Chelsea’s stature. Ideally, Chelsea would sign both Delap and a more experienced striker, but given the club’s transfer model, Delap may be the most realistic option.

Key Points

  • Liam Delap has almost 100 senior appearances but lacks extensive Premier League experience.
  • Chelsea ideally needs a proven elite striker, with Gyokeres or Osimhen as preferred targets.
  • Delap is a physical, aggressive forward who thrives in duels and could complement Chelsea’s playing style.
  • He has scored 10 goals from 7.19 xG this season, suggesting strong finishing ability.
  • His shot accuracy (51%) is better than Isak, Watkins, Mateta, and Solanke.
  • Enzo Maresca, who worked with Delap, rates him highly and believes he has the potential to be an important player for England.
  • Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna has also praised Delap’s rapid improvement.
  • Delap could be a smart signing given Chelsea’s recruitment approach, but concerns remain about his ability to make an immediate impact at the highest level.
  • A dual signing of Delap and Gyokeres would be ideal, though unlikely.

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Si Phillips
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Written by 
Steve Worrell
Steve, Co-founder of The 1905 Club, created the platform to provide honest, clickbait-free Chelsea FC content. He worked at Stamford Bridge from 2013 to 2016 with a Champions League sponsor. His first Chelsea match was a 1-0 win at Leeds in 2000, and his favourite was the epic 2012 Champions League game against Napoli.
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