Ashley Cole sends warning to Chelsea fans over “great lad” Liam Delap | OneFootball

Former Chelsea star Ashley Cole believes Liam Delap has the tools to reach the top, but warned he might not hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea made Delap their first summer signing after completing a deal worth £30m with Ipswich, and the 22-year-old is currently part of the Club World Cup squad.

Delap got an assist on his debut against LAFC, and scored his first goal for Chelsea in the 3-0 win against ES Tunis earlier this week.

Ashely Cole sends Chelsea fans Liam Delap warning

Chelsea moved quickly to get Delap in and fought off strong competition from Manchester United for the England under-21 international.

The Blues paid the price at times for not having an alternative to Nicolas Jackson last season, and Delap has added a much needed different dimension to Chelsea’s attack.

Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Delap to become Chelsea’s first choice striker, and the former Ipswich man is set to lead the line against Benfica in the last 16 on Saturday evening.

Delap scored his first Chelsea goal against ES Tunis. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Delap has impressed in his first few Chelsea appearances, but Cole has sent a warning to Chelsea fans about their new number nine.

“I’ve been working with Liam Delap on-and-off for about two years. At the start of the campaign, we had him in the squad and he was influential in qualifying,” he told talkSPORT.

“He is a great lad, he’s enthusiastic, he wants to learn. He wants to get to the next level and he’s got all the tools to do it.

“I think in this day and age, we’re a little bit harsh on the younger players. They need time to grow and they don’t need to be judged. I think it will take time for him to develop.

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“It will take time for him to adapt to the way Chelsea want to play. Of course everyone wants these young players that go into new environments, new clubs to hit the ground running. But I think we have to be realistic.

“Hopefully he hits the ground running like many players that move on to the big clubs, but I think we have to sometimes hold back a little bit and understand they are still kids.”

Nicolas Jackson faces uncertain future

Whilst Delap has made an impressive start, there are question marks around the future of Jackson following his red card against Flamengo.

Jackson has been linked with both Juventus and Napoli, with Chelsea said to want more than £50m or the 24-year-old.

It’s thought Jackson has no intention of leaving Chelsea, but it could be a situation to monitor throughout the summer.