Liam Delap: New Chelsea striker hints 'old school' play style could be his edge over Nicolas Jackson

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Evening Standard

·23. Juni 2025

Liam Delap: New Chelsea striker hints 'old school' play style could be his edge over Nicolas Jackson

Jackson handed Delap an early advantage in their battle for striker supremacy when he was sent off against Flamengo

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Liam Delap has hinted that his ‘old school’ physicality could give him an edge in his battle for play time with Nicolas Jackson.

Delap joined Chelsea from Ipswich earlier this month in a £30million deal. His arrival marks the most significant positional competition Jackson has faced since he moved to West London from Villareal in 2023.

The pair are set to fight one another for on-pitch minutes this season, and Jackson handed his opposite number an early advantage in the race, earning a one-match suspension after being sent off for a rash challenge in last week’s 3-1 Club World Cup loss to Flamengo. He has since apologised for the tackle.

Delap is now odds-on to start in Chelsea’s final group stage match against ES Tunis, but was wary of overstating the incident’s importance.

“I was right in front of it when it happened. It was so unlucky,” he said in defence of Jackson. “He has obviously not meant to do it. These things happen in football and I am sure he will get over it.

Seeing red: Nicolas Jackson

REUTERS

Delap did hint, however, that the competition between himself and Jackson may have pressured the Senegalese into making a mistake.

He went on: “With the size of the club there’s always going to be competition and I think players thrive off that competition. You’re going to work that little bit harder and try to compete.

“It’s Chelsea, it’s going to be tough and it’s going to be competitive. And that’s what you relish.”

He also committed to keeping his head this season despite enjoying a more physical style of play, which last year saw him earn the joint-most yellow cards in the Premier League (12).

“Everyone plays close to the edge a little bit. You have to be aggressive, on the front foot.

“I’ve always had that edge and I’m not going to change my mindset. You’ve just got to make sure you’re on the right side of the edge.

“I really love the aggressive side of it and the competitive nature of the sport. It’s got to be controlled at times, but it’s my game ultimately.

“But it’s not something I’m worried about. I think I can control my emotions when I need to. Maybe I’m a little bit old school, but it is the way I play and I don’t want to change it.”