Olivier Giroud has backed Liam Delap to succeed at Chelsea but admits he plays in one of football's toughest positions.
The Blues signed Delap from Ipswich Town on a six-year contract after paying the striker’s £30million release clause. Chelsea had been assessing options to add support and competition for Nicolas Jackson over the course of the season, and Delap has been identified as the ideal candidate.
The Manchester City academy graduate scored 12 goals for Ipswich last term despite Kieran McKenna's side being relegated to the Championship. Delap had multiple clubs chasing his signature but decided Chelsea was the best option for his development because of Enzo Maresca's style of play, the quality already in the squad and the belief the Blues will be competing for the major honours in seasons to come, football.london understands.
There may be concerns in some quarters, though, after the Blues' recent poor record with strikers. Fernando Torres, Romelu Lukaku, Giroud and Jackson have been some of the forwards to struggle at Stamford Bridge.
Asked via The London Standard about the struggles that Chelsea’s strikers have had, Giroud said: "When I signed for Milan, Paolo Maldini told me on the first Zoom I had with him, 'Are you sure about No.9? It's kind of cursed’.
“I said it’s not about the number I have on my back which will make me be good and score goals. No, I want the nine. And then I’ve showed him there was no curse, I was doing well.
“It’s not about the number nine, it’s about the position on the field and being a striker is very, very demanding. You can be under the spotlight when things go really well, but you are the first also on the front line when you are not scoring goals.
“You have to show some character and strength mentality wise. You need to be strong in your head, even in the tough moments stay confident and keep working hard.
“There’s a lot of pressure when you play striker but for me it’s the best in football. There’s up and downs, you need to be ready for that.”
Delap has been included in the Blues’ squad for this summer's FIFA Club World Cup, and Giroud is confident the English forward will make an impression for his new club.
“I think he’s very talented,” he said. ”The boys will help him to settle well, I think he will be fine.”
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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