Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca says he has “no doubts” Liam Delap will rediscover his scoring touch and establish himself as a key figure for the Blues after an interrupted start to the season. Delap’s campaign was derailed early by a hamstring injury and then a red card on his return, but the manager insists the 22-year-old is now close to full sharpness — and remains central to Chelsea’s long-term plans.
Delap arrived from Ipswich Town early in the summer and made an immediate impact, helping Chelsea lift the Club World Cup and starting the opening three Premier League matches. But a hamstring issue suffered against Fulham forced him out for almost two months. A dismissal away at Wolves in the Carabao Cup then pushed back his on-pitch rhythm further.
Since returning, Delap has been eased back carefully. He has featured in Chelsea’s last six matches in all competitions, with his midweek start at Leeds only his third since rejoining the matchday squad fully. Even though he didn’t add to his Champions League goal against Barcelona, Maresca was encouraged by the chances he created — and by the confidence he continues to show.
“I know Liam from many years ago at Manchester City and I don’t have any doubts that he will score goals and be important for us.”
Delap’s development: a long-term investment, not a short-term fix
Although some supporters are anxious for immediate contributions, Maresca remains patient. The head coach emphasises that months out with a muscle injury inevitably disrupt rhythm, explosiveness and finishing sharpness.
“It was a long time for him to be out… he is getting better,” Maresca explained. “Against Leeds, he had two or three chances where he could have done better.”
Having followed Delap’s progression since his youth days at Manchester City, the nuance is clear: his ceiling remains high, but sustained minutes and confidence will determine how quickly he reaches it. Maresca’s system relies on a No9 who presses intensely, runs channels aggressively and links play with timing — traits Delap possesses, but must rebuild fully after two lengthy disruptions.
His numbers so far underline that stop–start reality: 10 appearances, 1 goal (Champions League), 0 assists, 421 minutes.
Leeds defeat offered essential lessons for Maresca’s evolving Chelsea
Wednesday’s 3–1 defeat at Elland Road marked Chelsea’s first Premier League away loss since mid-September, and Maresca insists performances like that are vital learning tools. While the team impressed against Arsenal and Barcelona recently, the Leeds experience exposed weaknesses he says must be addressed quickly.
“I learned more from the Leeds game than against Arsenal or Barcelona because we did a few things wrong that we need to avoid in the future.” — Enzo Maresca
He stressed the importance of adapting to different away environments:
“We need to be aware of where we go… the intensity, the environment, a small pitch. We need to be ready for all these things.”
Having followed Chelsea closely this season, the nuance is apparent: the team’s tactical identity is clear at Stamford Bridge, but the next step in their development is showing the same control and intensity in hostile away fixtures. Leeds punished transitional errors and slow decision-making — areas Maresca expects immediate improvement in ahead of Bournemouth.
Delap’s moment is coming — and Leeds may accelerate it
In our view, Delap’s importance to Maresca’s project cannot be overstated. Although some fans focus on his lack of goals, the manager’s public trust signals he sees the 22-year-old as the long-term No9 solution. His athletic profile suits Chelsea’s pressing and vertical play, and when he regains rhythm, his finishing should follow.
Maresca’s City background means he values strikers who contribute to overall structure, not just scoring. Delap’s hold-up play, defensive pressing and movement were already visible at Leeds — and those traits tend to return before goals do.
Similarly, the Leeds defeat may become a turning point. Top sides evolve fastest after setbacks, and Maresca’s willingness to frame the loss as a lesson suggests Chelsea will adjust quickly. The manager’s tactical demands are high, but the squad is gradually internalising them.
Key insights
- Maresca says Delap will “score goals and be important” as he regains sharpness.
- Delap missed two months with a hamstring injury and faced a delayed return after a red card.
- Featured in Chelsea’s last six games; midweek Leeds start was only his third since full recovery.
- Maresca says Chelsea learned “more from Leeds than Arsenal or Barcelona”.
- Delap has 1 goal in 10 games and continues to build confidence and fitness.
What’s Next?
Chelsea travel to Bournemouth later on today, with Delap expected to feature again as he builds towards full match rhythm. Whether he starts or comes from the bench, Maresca is determined to give him steady minutes — and believes goals will soon follow as the Blues look to bounce back from the Leeds defeat.
👉 Should Delap start regularly now, or should Chelsea continue managing his minutes carefully after his disrupted start?
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