Former midfielder Danny Murphy has been discussing Chelsea trio Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap and Cole Palmer.
Jackson is currently on loan at Bayern Munich, but he could reunite with Delap and Palmer at Chelsea in the summer.
It is being reported that Jackson is set to return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season and could remain there.
Nicolas Jackson could be an option for Chelsea again next season! 👀
Nicolas Jackson, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Emanuel Emegha
Photo by S. Mellar/FC Bayern/Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC/George Wood/Mikolaj Barbanell/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Both the 24-year-old and Delap are strikers, so Murphy has been comparing them.
Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson shake hands during Chelsea FC v Los Angeles Football Club: Group D - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Danny Murphy suggests Nicolas Jackson is better than current Chelsea striker Liam Delap
For Murphy, it is quite simple. Jackson is a bigger goal threat compared to the man who has effectively replaced him.
Assessing the two on talkSPORT, the ex-Liverpool player said: “Jackson in his first Chelsea season has done better than Delap has done. He’s more of a goal threat. I actually think Cole Palmer misses Nicolas Jackson.”
After how this season has gone, many Chelsea supporters would agree with Murphy. Delap has struggled and there are now rumours that he could leave west London this summer.
What do you like about Liam Delap’s game?
Liam Rosenior thinks he's selfless 👏
Chelsea players with hat-trick of assists
Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
However, you can argue that it is too early to sell Delap. The England Under-21 international is only 23 and has had injuries. He perhaps needs a bit more time.
If Jackson does return to Chelsea and rejoins the first-team squad, though, Delap may not get that.
Liam Delap replaces Nicolas Jackson as a substitute in Chelsea's Club World Cup win against Los Angeles FC.
Photo by Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Liam Delap won’t match Nicolas Jackson’s best Premier League tally this season
Delap has scored just one goal in the Premier League this season. Whether he has been injured or not, that is still very disappointing.
Earlier in the campaign, Delap pulled his hamstring before damaging his shoulder. However, the former Ipswich Town man has still made 17 appearances and should thus be on more than one goal.
Back in the 2023/24 season, Jackson scored 14 goals in 35 appearances. He also recorded five assists.
Delap is not going to get anywhere near his goal tally this term. He has now got to aim for five to 10 goals, which could actually make a huge difference in Chelsea’s campaign when you look at how tight things are in the race for Champions League football.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox