One Premier League goal by February might look like a crisis for Liam Delap, but for those who remember Didier Drogba’s injury-plagued debut season, it looks like a script we’ve seen before.
Liam Delap made the move to Chelsea from Ipswich Town in the summer transfer window, but it hasn’t gone to plan for the striker so far.
Joao Pedro has taken the main role leading the line for Chelsea and to great effect, which has made it difficult for Delap to get a consistent run with Liam Rosenior typically using just one striker.
Scoring two and assisting four in all competitions isn’t an awful return from just over 1,000 minutes. But Chelsea fans will certainly have expected more.
However, what matters is Rosenior’s opinion, and he believes the Englishman will come good.
What do you like about Liam Delap’s game?
Liam Rosenior thinks he's selfless 👏
Chelsea players with hat-trick of assists
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Liam Rosenior predicts Liam Delap will come good in his second season
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Burnley, Liam Rosenior defended Delap once again.
“If you look at most players and their careers, it’s usually the second season they take off. He’s had some injuries. I’m really happy with Joao and Liam.”
Delap suffered a hamstring tear just 14 minutes into Chelsea’s third Premier League game of the season, which saw him sidelined for approximately 10 to 12 weeks.
Shortly after returning to fitness, Delap suffered another blow during a 0-0 draw against Bournemouth. Described as an injury to his right shoulder, this kept him out for an additional four weeks.
Be honest, which full-back can you imagine Estevao possibly struggling against? ❌
Estevao Willian dribbling stat
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The Didier Drogba similarities from his first season at Chelsea
In his first season at Chelsea, Didier Drogba struggled with a long-term injury, and faced claims he was a flop, before becoming one of Chelsea’s greatest ever.
Today, history could be repeating itself. Delap’s debut season has been plagued by the same stop-start rhythm that once threatened to derail Drogba’s career.
Like Drogba, who required surgery on a stomach muscle just months into his London arrival, Delap has spent more time on the treatment table than on the pitch.
For Chelsea fans frustrated by Delap’s single Premier League goal by February, the history books offer a perspective. Drogba asked to leave Chelsea after his first year, feeling unsuited to the league’s pace after his injuries. He stayed, found his fitness, and changed the club forever.
Now, we aren’t saying that Delap will go on to achieve half as much as Drogba, nor does he look on the same level right now. But don’t write him off just yet.
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