Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca believes striker Liam Delap has the potential to become England\'s main striker following his £30 million transfer from Ipswich Town. The 22-year-old could make his Blues debut against LAFC in Monday\'s FIFA Club World Cup opener.
Delap completed his move to Stamford Bridge earlier this month after Chelsea beat competition from Manchester United and other clubs. The former Manchester City academy player has been handed the iconic number nine shirt.
\"When we faced Ipswich, before we faced Ipswich, so [when] Liam was not a Chelsea player, I said that for me, Liam, potentially, he can be England\'s number nine,\" Maresca told reporters on Sunday.
The striker faces competition to establish himself in Chelsea\'s starting lineup. Maresca warned Delap he must earn his place through consistent performances and hard work.
Maresca previously coached Delap during his time at Manchester City\'s academy. The striker scored 25 goals when they won the under-23 competition together.
\"He was keen to join us because he knows the way we play,\" Maresca said. \"He knows exactly what we can give to him and I know what Liam can give us.\"
Chelsea\'s number nine shirt has proven challenging for recent players including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Romelu Lukaku and Alvaro Morata. Maresca expressed confidence that Delap can handle the pressure.
Midfielder Moisés Caicedo praised the new signing\'s early training performances.
\"We are happy to have him because he is a very top player,\" Caicedo said. \"You can see the quality he has. For sure, we are going to score a lot of goals with this amazing player.\"
Via James Olley/ESPN