Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has boldly predicted that new signing Liam Delap will become England's next star striker, filling the massive shoes currently occupied by Harry Kane. The 22-year-old forward, acquired from Ipswich Town for a cool £30 million, is already making waves at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca's Confidence in Delap
Maresca, who previously coached Delap at Manchester City's Under-21 squad, has no doubt about his potential. "I don't have any doubt that he can be in the future England's No 9," Maresca stated ahead of Chelsea's Club World Cup opener against Los Angeles FC. He highlighted Delap's previous success under his guidance, scoring 24 goals in a single season for Man City's youth team.
Competition for a Starting Spot
Despite the high praise, Maresca emphasized that Delap will have to earn his place in the Chelsea starting lineup. He faces stiff competition from Nicolas Jackson, and Maresca insists that no player is guaranteed a starting position. "I never say to a player you are going to be first choice," he explained. "The message is always the same: you arrive, you work hard, you work more than the other No.9 and you’ll be No.9 first choice."
- Delap joined Chelsea for £30 million from Ipswich Town.
- Maresca believes Delap can become England's next No. 9.
- Delap faces competition from Nicolas Jackson for a starting spot.
Delap himself seems unfazed by the pressure and is eager to prove himself at Chelsea. He knows the importance of the number 9 shirt at the club, and Maresca says he's seen him “quite relaxed, easy, he's doing well, since he arrived, he's working well.”
Only time will tell if Delap can live up to the hype and become England's next great striker, but he certainly has the talent and the backing of his manager to make it happen. The upcoming Club World Cup will be a crucial opportunity for him to showcase his skills on the world stage.