Enzo Maresca has been heaping praise on Liam Delap ahead of the Blues’ Premier League clash with Ipswich Town on Sunday.
Maresca is keen to bolster his attacking options this summer and wants a Nicholas Jackson-like player to add competition up front with the Blues currently fourth in the table, while Ipswich are 12 points from safety. Delap has been in fine form for Chelsea despite the
club’s relegation battle, scoring 12 goals this season and facing a £30million sale if they are relegated.
Maresca worked with Delap when he was a manager at Manchester City’s youth system and knows the 22-year-old’s potential
. “The numbers, he’s excellent, but not just the numbers… ทางเข้า UFABET สำหรับสมาชิกใหม่ สมัครวันนี้ รับโบนัสฟรี The way he plays, the determination, the running, he’s a real fighter. But he’s still an Ipswich player now,” said Maresca.
“On Sunday he’s the opposition because we have to win. But after the game, I wished him good luck in the future.”
The Italian coach also talked about Delap’s playing style, saying it is similar to top strikers Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, although he said it was too early to make direct comparisons.
“It’s too early to compare him to Kane or Haaland, but the styles are similar. All of them are natural target men who are dangerous in the penalty area,” Maresca explained.
Jackson also received praise from Maresca, revealing that the Senegalese striker is the most suitable striker for the team.
Maresca added: “Nico is my perfect striker. We already have a real striker, not this summer, but if we can find a copy of Nico, it would be great.
“When Nico was injured, we saw immediately what we were missing. When he came back, the team played much better.”