Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca Backs Liam Delap as Future England Striker

Atlanta, Georgia — Enzo Maresca believes Liam Delap has the potential to become England’s main striker. The Chelsea manager warned the 22-year-old he faces tough competition to secure a starting position.

Delap is set to make his Chelsea debut in the FIFA Club World Cup opener against Los Angeles FC on Monday, following his £30 million move from Ipswich Town. He hopes to make a strong first impression with the Premier League side.

In his previous season at Ipswich, Delap scored 12 goals but could not prevent the team’s relegation. Maresca praised Delap’s attitude and readiness to adapt to Chelsea’s playing style and noted that Delap had previously thrived under him at Manchester City’s academy.

“Liam knows how important the number nine is for this club,” Maresca said, referring to the iconic shirt worn by many high-profile players who have faced pressure at Chelsea. “I see him quite relaxed. He’s been working well since his arrival.” Delap has taken on the number nine shirt, which has been unclaimed since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left the club two years ago.

Maresca has been clear about the expectations for Delap: “You arrive, you work hard, you work more than the other number nine, and you will be first-choice.” He also revealed that other clubs, including Manchester United and Newcastle, had pursued Delap before he chose Chelsea.

Delap’s qualities were recognized by his teammates, with midfielder Moises Caicedo expressing confidence in the new signing. “He is a top player,” Caicedo said. “He is training really well. For sure, we are going to score a lot of goals with him.” The competition in Chelsea’s forward line includes Nicolas Jackson, but Delap’s prior successes in youth competitions suggest he has the potential to shine.

Maresca added that Chelsea intends to recruit another winger after sending Jadon Sancho back to Manchester United. Meanwhile, the club is dealing with uncertainties regarding their goalkeeping situation, particularly with possible offers for Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen.

Overall, Delap’s journey at Chelsea is beginning with high hopes from Maresca and his teammates for not only a fresh start but potentially stepping into the significant role of England’s next number 9.