Liam Delap, Ipswich Town's young striker, is making headlines as he showcases his potential to become a key player for England. The 21-year-old forward has contributed significantly to his team's performances since joining from Manchester City, and his development is being closely monitored by coaches and pundits alike.
Enzo Maresca, who coached Delap during his time at Manchester City's academy, praised the player's talent, stating, "Liam is a fantastic player, and also for his age. I think we spent one year together and he scored [about] 22 to 24 goals. He is a very good striker." Delap has already made his mark this season, scoring six goals as Ipswich navigates the challenges of their return to the Premier League, where they currently sit just above the relegation zone.
Delap's ascent through the football ranks has been impressive. Previously, he had spells on loan at Stoke City, Preston North End, and Hull City before making the decision to leave Manchester City permanently for consistent first-team opportunities. "England have many good players, many good strikers, but he's working hard off the ball and on the ball, understands the game and can score goals. I think he can be an important player for England," Maresca added, highlighting the striker's work ethic and potential for future national representation.
His performances have not gone unnoticed by analysts. Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer singled out Delap as Ipswich's standout performer during their match against Fulham, noting, "He held the ball up, he ran in behind and when his team were under pressure he won free-kicks to ease the pressure. He was a nuisance to play against." Shearer elaborated on Delap's importance by observing, "He has got eight goals this season and Ipswich have only scored 20 themselves. That tells you how impressive he has been. You've got a really confident, young footballer who is only going to getbetter."
Delap's scoring prowess has left fans and football analysts alike pondering what the future holds for him. He has played 10 times for England's Under-21s, scoring twice, but he is yet to make his full senior debut—a point not lost on those watching his rise. With standout performances, he could soon find himself on the radar of senior national team selectors.
The situation at Everton has recently drawn attention to Delap's impressive form. Stephen Warnock raised questions about Everton's transfer strategy, particularly following their decision to sign Armando Broja instead of considering Delap during the summer transfer window. Broja, who has struggled with injuries since his arrival at Goodison Park, has faced significant challenges contributing to the team, leading Warnock to criticize the decision-making process at the club. He remarked, "They brought in Broja, who was injured. Why would you sign a player who’s injured when there’s pressure on you?"
Despite Broja’s struggles, Everton’s recruitment strategy raises important questions about how they overlooked Delap, who has been thriving at Ipswich. "Another strange signing. Why didn’t they look at Liam Delap?" Warnock pointedly asked, highlighting the stark differences between Delap’s performances with Ipswich and Broja’s with Everton.
While Broja's situation has created tension for Everton, the decision to sign players who are fit and ready to contribute is becoming increasingly pertinent. Delap's impact, scoring eight goals already this season, emphasizes his current value as both a player and asset for any team needing forward reinforcements.
Looking forward, many are optimistic about Delap's career path. With his rapid growth as a significant player for Ipswich, he is positioned to potentially capture the attention of national selectors and bigger clubs. Maresca’s endorsement only adds to this narrative, indicating Delap’s talents extend beyond just the current season.
At just 21 years old, the striker is considered both confident and capable, ensuring he remains one to watch as the season progresses. With Ipswich fighting to solidify their position in the Premier League, Delap's performances could prove to be decisive for their campaign.
The Tractor Boys face Chelsea next, and Delap's performances will undoubtedly be pivotal as they seek to gain valuable points. With Borussia Dortmund now reportedly keeping tabs on the young forward, it seems the sky is the limit for this promising talent. How well he can adapt to the challenges of the top flight and continue to score pivotal goals could determine not only his immediate future with Ipswich, but potentially his place on the senior England team as well.