Chelsea striker predicted to lead England attack in future | OneFootball

Delap Tipped for England Stardom as Maresca Places His Faith in Chelsea Newcomer

Maresca confident in striker’s international future

Enzo Maresca knows what Liam Delap is capable of. The Chelsea manager’s admiration for the 22-year-old forward is long-standing, and as the Blues prepare for their Club World Cup opener against Los Angeles FC, Maresca’s message is clear: Delap is not just a striker for the now, but a “future England number nine.”

Photo IMAGO

“I said Liam can be England’s number nine when we faced Ipswich,” Maresca stated, reflecting on their earlier encounters. “Now he is a Chelsea player, I’m going to say again, I don’t have any doubt that he can be in the future England number nine.”

Delap’s move to Stamford Bridge, reportedly for £30 million, reunites him with Maresca from their time at Manchester City’s academy, where the young striker once plundered 24 goals in a single Under-23 season.

Chelsea rebuild continues with Delap’s arrival

Chelsea’s commitment to youth continues to shape their recruitment strategy. Delap, who signed a six-year deal, arrives as part of a cohort of promising additions including Andrey Santos, Dario Essugo, Mamadou Sarr and Mike Penders.

Photo: IMAGO

It is Delap, however, who draws the spotlight. With 12 Premier League goals for Ipswich last season, the forward showed his readiness for top-flight football. Now, Chelsea supporters will watch closely as he challenges Nicolas Jackson for a place in Maresca’s starting XI.

Opportunity on global stage

Delap’s decision to withdraw from England duty for the Under-21 European Championship has raised some eyebrows. But the striker has his sights set firmly on the Club World Cup and an opportunity to impress his new manager on the international stage.

The trust between Maresca and Delap is clear. “It’s a win-win. We like Liam, Liam likes us, so it was an easy conversation,” the Chelsea boss said. For club and country, the future may belong to Delap.