Liam Delap has been handed the perfect opportunity to hit the ground running since his summer move to Chelsea.
After already being suspended for the first game of the new Premier League season, Nicolas Jackson’s red card in the Club World Cup game against Flamengo will see him miss games in this competition.
Jackson will be banned for at least one game, however FIFA could upgrade that by the time they take part in their final group stage game against ES Tunis.
The number nine position is therefore there for the taking, and whether the Englishman does this could depend on how quickly he can strike up a partnership with star attacker Cole Palmer.
Cole Palmer and Liam Delap in action during CR Flamengo v Chelsea FC: Group D - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Carl Recine – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Liam Delap had conversation with Cole Palmer before joining Chelsea
Palmer is excited about the prospect of playing with Delap, however their first starts together didn’t go as planned when they were defeated by Flamengo.
However, the striker told TalkSPORT that a talk with Palmer was important in him making his decision to move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
He said: “I’ve known Cole since I was 15, playing at Manchester City with him. I’ve got a good relationship with him, so it was nice to see a familiar face.
“I spoke to him a little bit [before deciding to join Chelsea]. I asked him what I needed to ask. He told me what I needed to know. I don’t like too much information. Ultimately, it was my decision and I kind of just wanted my head to be clear.
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“It was a nice position to be in [having multiple clubs interested]. You never know if it is going to be the right decision, but you’ve just got to go with your gut and hopefully it works out… I took a few days to decide and speak to people then decide my future.”
Liam Delap lifts the trophy after Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League 2
Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Delap and Palmer’s brilliant record together
The duo competed together on numerous occasions when they were part of the Manchester City academy side, where Romeo Lavia and transfer target Jamie Gittens also featured.
Delap and Palmer have an excellent record together, winning 28 of the 33 games where they were on the same side.
They combined for eight goals in this time period, and Chelsea fans will be hoping to see more of the same when they are reunited at Stamford Bridge.
It remains to be seen whether Gittens is added to this mix, with former City coach Maresca leading a side that also includes former defender Tosin Adarabioyo.