Liam Duckstein
Enzo Maresca is betting on Liam Delap to be England’s next great centre-forward — and he’s not shy about it.
2025United States
Chelsea
Paris Saint GermainOn the eve of Chelsea’s Club World Cup opener against Los Angeles FC, the Italian tactician made a bold proclamation: “I don’t have any doubt that he can be in the future England’s number nine.” A weighty endorsement from a coach who previously molded Delap during their time at Manchester City’s U21s — and one that comes with expectations baked in.
The 22-year-old Delap arrived at Stamford Bridge earlier this month in a £30 million move from relegated Ipswich Town, already carrying the symbolic and pressure-laden No. 9 shirt — a jersey that has haunted a long list of Chelsea strikers from Fernando Torres to Romelu Lukaku.
Relaxed, Ready, and Backed by His Boss
Yet Delap appears unfazed. “I see him quite relaxed, easy,” said Maresca. “He’s doing well, working hard since he arrived.” The familiarity between coach and striker is already paying dividends. “We know each other already from years ago,” Maresca added. “He knows what we can give to him to improve and to become a better player.”
The numbers support that optimism — Delap netted 24 goals under Maresca in one prolific season, showcasing a sharp instinct inside the box and tactical awareness beyond his years. For a Chelsea side looking to rebuild identity under new management, a young, moldable, and proven goal-scorer could be the piece they’ve been missing.
No Guarantees, Just Opportunity
But don’t expect Delap to walk into the starting XI. Asked if the forward would lead the line against LAFC at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Maresca remained coy. “I never say to a player you will be a first choice,” he said. “You arrive, you work hard, you work more than the other number nine — and you can be.” That “other nine” is Nicolas Jackson, and competition between the two promises to be fierce.
Looking Ahead: Transfer Hints and Tactical Focus
While Chelsea’s immediate focus is the Club World Cup, there are signs of movement in the transfer market. Maresca confirmed the club is exploring a left-wing option to replace Jadon Sancho, whose loan spell won’t be extended. However, he emphasized the importance of staying grounded: “I’m never confident… with technology today, any game can be difficult.”
Indeed, in a world where every team can dissect opposition footage in granular detail, no matchup is straightforward — and that includes facing LAFC. Expect Chelsea to approach this tournament with tactical precision and youthful ambition, and for Delap, a chance to justify the hype could come sooner than expected.
All eyes are now on Atlanta — and the No.9 jersey that Liam Delap wears with quiet confidence.