Liam Rosenior has often spoken of Chelsea’s strength in depth since he arrived as the club’s manager from Strasbourg, but such squad numbers mean some players like Liam Delap will miss out.
Chelsea have a massive squad, and nothing emphasises that more than the current list of options in the middle of defence, despite Chelsea feeling the need to pursue Jeremy Jacquet and recall Mamadou Sarr.
Currently, Rosenior has Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo, Sarr, and Jorrel Hato. Aaron Anselmino is out on loan, leaving Dortmund for Strasbourg.
Starting to think Jamie Carragher has a point…😬
Jamie Carragher on Liam Delap
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
That is before any signings are made this summer, with Marcos Senesi said to remain a target. But the depth is strong in other positions, and it means that when a player is in form, others wait their turn.
Roy Keane discusses Liam Delap’s situation at Chelsea
Bought for £30m from Ipswich, Delap has struggled in a Chelsea shirt. Jamie Carragher believes Delap was wrong to join Chelsea, and believes the English striker needed a mid-table club to join before Chelsea.
Fulham v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Delap has managed just one Premier League goal for Chelsea and it came under the watchful eye of the new manager, who sat in the stands during the loss to Fulham. Roy Keane said this on Stick To Football.
He thinks Delap isn’t good enough for a club like Chelsea: “At the moment, he’s really lacking confidence, and really lacks quality, doesn’t he? He’s only a young kid but a handful [of games] is not enough.”
Does Liam Delap deserve to play more under Liam Rosenior?
When Rosenior was appointed, many felt Delap would be a beneficiary. The two had already worked together at Hull City and after scoring against Fulham, Delap backed Rosenior to succeed as manager.
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.
But Delap has started just three of Rosenior’s 10 games and while illness didn’t help, one of those three starts was playing as a hard-working winger in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal.
However, the sensational form of Joao Pedro since Rosenior arrived has played a part too. The Brazilian is undroppable at the moment, and easily one of Rosenior’s best players. Delap should start on Friday.
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