Something Liam Rosenior will find when taking over at Chelsea is that he has a lot of expensive stars struggling under the weight of their transfer fees since moving to Stamford Bridge.
The jury is still out on Alejandro Garnacho, Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato and plenty of other Chelsea players who have arrived in the last season or two for massive fees. Sink or swim, under huge pressure at Chelsea.
Rosenior is tasked with adding some consistency at Chelsea, something Enzo Maresca struggled with. Those inside Chelsea believe Rosenior will play with more control and listen to the club’s medical staff.
But Rosenior’s job is a whole lot bigger than that, and one thing he will need to do is get the most out of Chelsea’s stuttering stars. Cole Palmer is one example, but another is a player he has now reunited with.
Anyone else think the training footage of Rosenior and Estevao felt a bit ‘staged’?🤔
Makes for interesting viewing…
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Gary Lineker is excited by what he’s seeing from Liam Delap
Chelsea signed 22-year-old Liam Delap from Ipswich Town after he scored 12 Premier League goals for the Tractor Boys last season. The West London outfit splashed £30m on the former Manchester City man.
It has been a tricky season for Delap, but on Wednesday night, he finally scored his first Premier League goal for the Blues. Calum McFarlane believes Delap is only going to get better, after a tough spell.
Fulham v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Now reunited with Rosenior, Delap has everything he needs to shine at Chelsea. On The Rest Is Football, Gary Lineker heaped praise on Delap’s movement off the ball and urged Rosenior to give him a run.
“Delap obviously scored. Missed a chance just before he scored the goal. I think there’s something in him. He’s got to prove it yet. He’s got to stay fit. But I like his movement. I like the way he tries to get behind.
“I think he will score goals if he stays fit and strong. I’d love to see him get a real run of games, just to give him the opportunity,” Lineker said when discussing Delap, following his goal in the loss to Fulham.
Liam Delap’s record under Liam Rosenior while at Hull City
Rosenior is expected to speak to the media ahead of his first game in charge, with Chelsea going to The Valley to face Charlton in the third round of The FA Cup. It will be interesting to see if Delap starts.
While Rosenior could be tempted to rest players, he will be keen to get a good result in his first game as manager. An away clash against a Championship side is always a banana skin and Rosenior needs a win.
What does Liam Rosenior need to do to get the best out of Liam Delap? 👊
Rosenior had Delap on loan at Hull
Liam Delap, Liam Rosenior and Hull City's owner.
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If Rosenior is smart, he will start Delap. This Chelsea squad lacks experience but Delap is one of a rare few with any Championship experience. He will know what to expect at the Valley on Saturday night.
Marc Cucurella will join injured players such as Levi Colwill and Romeo Lavia, though Dario Essugo was spotted in training this week ahead of a potential return. Charlton may come too early for the midfielder.
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