Liam Delap’s Make-or-Break Moment: Can Chelsea’s £30m Striker Finally Deliver Under Maresca?

Chelsea striker Liam Delap has endured a frustrating start to life at Stamford Bridge — but tonight’s Champions League trip to Baku could mark a fresh chapter for the 22-year-old. After a summer move from Ipswich Town and a string of early setbacks, Enzo Maresca looks ready to give his £30 million signing the stage to finally make an impression.

Delap’s short cameo against Wolves in the Carabao Cup last week was supposed to signal his long-awaited return from a hamstring injury that had kept him sidelined for over two months. Instead, it ended in chaos. Two yellow cards in seven minutes meant a red, and the forward was forced to apologise to his teammates for what Maresca called “a stupid foul” and “playing the game for himself.”

Now, having served his suspension and watched from the sidelines as Chelsea dismantled Tottenham 1–0, Delap has the perfect opportunity for redemption against Qarabag — a side level on points with the Blues and eager to prove their mettle.

Delap’s first five months as a Chelsea player have been anything but straightforward. His arrival from Ipswich was hailed as a statement of intent — a young, physical No9 with the work rate and link-up play to thrive in Maresca’s system. The Blues beat Manchester United to his signature, confident that his 12 Premier League goals last season were only the beginning of his development curve.

But injuries and discipline have derailed momentum. For a player repeatedly tipped by England head coach Thomas Tuchel as a “future international”, the pressure is on to find rhythm quickly.

Chelsea’s recruitment team still believe they have secured a long-term bargain, but Delap must now repay that faith by showing he can lead the line consistently — not just flash moments of promise.

Tonight’s clash in Azerbaijan offers Delap the kind of test that can build confidence and credibility. Qarabag have surprised many in Europe this season, leading every opponent at some stage across their group games. They press aggressively, and their defenders relish physical duels — exactly the kind of battle Delap was signed to win.

Maresca is expected to rotate his squad following the energy-sapping win over Spurs, and with Joao Pedro likely moving into a deeper role, Delap could get the nod to start. The manager has made no secret of how much he’s been looking forward to having his powerful forward back.

“He gives us a different profile — someone who can play as a real focal point,” Maresca said earlier this week. “It allows us to use Joao in his best area between the lines.”

When fit, Delap brings a set of attributes Chelsea have lacked during his absence. His pace and aggression stretch defenders, while his ability to shield the ball and bring others into play adds balance to Maresca’s fluid attack.

In the Club World Cup group stage against Esperance Tunis, he showcased exactly that: a smart run, tight control, and a clinical finish for his first Chelsea goal. The performance reminded fans why the club pushed so hard to sign him — direct, intelligent, and hungry.

The next step is consistency. Chelsea’s attack has often lacked presence when forced to play without a traditional striker. Delap, at full flow, can be the player who anchors that frontline and allows creative forces like Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro to flourish behind him.

In our view, the next few weeks could define Delap’s Chelsea career. The club doesn’t need him to be perfect — they need him to be available, composed, and clinical. After injury and suspension, the focus must be on discipline and decision-making. If he can manage that, his physical edge and natural finishing will do the rest.

With Palmer nearing a return and Maresca rotating options in a gruelling schedule, Delap’s timing could be ideal. He has the tools to become Chelsea’s go-to striker — if he stays fit and focused.

Chelsea face Qarabag tonight in Baku before hosting Wolves in the Premier League on 9 November. With rotation expected, Delap could finally earn a run of games that lets him build rhythm — and remind fans why the Blues invested heavily in his potential.

👉 Chelsea fans — do you think Liam Delap can become the long-term No9 Maresca’s been looking for?