Liam Delap Tipped as Future England No. 9 by Chelsea Boss Maresca after his Premier League Success

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca believes Liam Delap can become England’s future number nine. Signed from Ipswich for £30 million, Delap scored 12 goals last season and previously netted 24 under Maresca at Manchester City U23. He joins Chelsea ahead of their Club World Cup opener against LAFC and will compete with Nicolas Jackson for a starting role.

During the Club World Cup preparations, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca expressed strong confidence in new signing Liam Delap, calling him a “future England number nine.” Delap, 22, joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town in a £30 million deal, reuniting with Maresca, who coached him during his time at Manchester City’s academy. Under Maresca in the 2021 season, Delap scored 24 goals as City’s Under-23s won the league, a performance that left a lasting impression on the coach.

Last season, Delap scored 12 goals in 37 Premier League matches, showing his potential at the top level. He signed a six-year deal with Chelsea and withdrew from the England Under-21 squad to join the Blues in the United States for the Club World Cup. Maresca highlighted that both player and club were aligned in their ambitions, describing the move as a “win-win.”

Though full of praise, Maresca also made it clear that Delap will have to compete with Nicolas Jackson for a place in the starting lineup. Nonetheless, the belief in Delap’s long-term potential remains strong at Chelsea, as he prepares to make his debut in a new-look side aiming to challenge on multiple fronts.