Liam Delap: Chelsea’s New No 9 Embraces Old-School Style

On a recent visit to Chelsea’s hotel overlooking Philadelphia, Liam Delap discussed his playing style and ambitions, deliberately sidestepping questions about his father, Rory Delap. Now 22, Liam has established himself as a rising star, having recently transferred from Ipswich Town for £30 million.

Describing himself as a throwback, Delap compared his playing approach to that of Diego Costa, highlighting his aggressive, gritty style. He shared that he even played through broken ribs in his final Ipswich matches, enduring pain for the team’s benefit.

“I enjoy the physical battles and competitive nature of the game. It’s always been part of who I am, and I don’t plan to change that,” he said. “There’s an old-school mindset to my game, but I make sure I stay on the right side of the edge.”

Though he received 12 yellow cards last season at Ipswich—more than any other player—he remains confident in controlling his emotions, especially now that VAR is in play. When teammate Nicolas Jackson was red-carded early in a recent match, Delap expressed empathy, acknowledging that such incidents are part of the sport.

Delap chose the No 9 jersey at Chelsea, a number often associated with goal scorers, but he dismisses any “curse” attached to it. “It’s just a number; it doesn’t hold any significance for me,” he said, citing Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo as idols.

Available amidst competition from top clubs, Chelsea’s interest appealed to Delap because of their future plans and high-level system. He explained, “I took my time to decide, but the project and the manager’s style excite me.”

Having played under Enzo Maresca at Manchester City’s youth ranks, Delap aims to follow a pathway of development, inspired by peers like Cole Palmer. He expressed motivation to emulate his rise to stardom, stating, “That’s the goal.”

Initially planning to participate in the European Under-21 Championship with England, Delap watched their victory over Spain. He also noted that his performances at Chelsea could influence his prospects of being selected for an upcoming World Cup, with Maresca believing he has the potential to be England’s future No 9.

“Playing well here improves my chances of making the squad. I’ve dreamed of representing my country since I was a child,” Delap said, emphasizing his dedication and the importance of seizing this opportunity at Chelsea.