Chelsea icon and current Los Angeles FC star Olivier Giroud has tipped Liam Delap to hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge after sealing a summer switch from Ipswich Town and flying straight out to the United States to compete for glory in the fast-approaching Club World Cup.
Blues head coach Enzo Maresca and members of the recruitment department took advantage of the Tractor Boys' relegation from the Premier League by triggering the £30million release clause written into the England under-21 international's contract, resulting in him becoming Nicolas Jackson's biggest challenger for a regular starting berth.
Delap Backed to Have Successful Blues Spell
Frontman joined in time to compete at Club World Cup
Liam Delap in action for Ipswich Town
Delap has taken the No.9 shirt following his arrival at Chelsea, resulting in there being extensive pressure to deliver the goods in his new surroundings, but Giroud is adamant that the 22-year-old has the ability to make a name for himself at Stamford Bridge as he is entering a positive dressing room.
The former Blues and Arsenal frontman said:
"When I signed for AC Milan, Paolo Maldini asked me on my first Zoom with him 'are you sure about the No.9 because it's kind of cursed'. I said it's not about the number I have on my back that will make me good and score goals, so I wanted the No.9. I showed him that there was no curse because I was doing well.
"It's about the position on the field because being a striker is very demanding. You have to show some character, have the right mentality and be strong in your head. Even in tough moments, you need to stay confident and keep working hard. There is a lot of pressure when you're a striker.
"If he has got a good mentality [he will do well]. I think he is very talented and the boys will help him to settle well, so I think he will be fine."