Liam Rosenior believes Liam Delap could “really take off” next season after struggling for large parts of this campaign so far.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CHELSEA NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON THE APP STORE
Chelsea fought off interest from a number of Premier League clubs to sign Delap for £30m from Ipswich last summer.
However, things haven’t gone to plan so far and the 23-year-old has managed just two goals in 24 appearances in all competitions.
Liam Rosenior backs Liam Delap to improve next season
Delap has had injury issues, but when he’s played he’s struggled to make the impact both he and Chelsea would have been hoping for.
He’s currently playing second fiddle to the in form Joao Pedro, and Jamie Carragher thinks joining Chelsea was too big a jump for Delap.
Liam Delap in action against Hull City.
Delap has struggled for large parts of this season. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Delap put in an impressive performance against Hull, but will likely find himself back on the bench for Saturday’s game against Burnley.
The England under-21 international will be hoping to finish the campaign strongly, but Rosenior has backed Delap to kick on next season.
“If you look at most players’ careers, after they have joined a club, it’s the second season they really take off,” he told Chelsea’s website.
“For Liam, he’s had some really, really good performances, but also his rhythm has been interrupted by injury. I’m really happy with Joao and really happy with Liam.
“I think Marc Guiu, when we’ve called upon him, has been very good, and that needs to continue for us to be successful.”
Emmanuel Emegha to arrive in the summer
With Delap still finding his feet, there will be even more competition next season with Emmanuel Emegha arriving from Strasbourg.
Emegha has signed a seven year contract at Stamford Bridge, and scored 14 goals in Ligue 1 last season under Rosenior.
More Stories / Latest News
Levi Colwill in Chelsea training. (Photo by Chris Lee/Chelsea FC)
Liam Delap fights off a defender.
Roberto Di Matteo watches a game of football.
The Dutch international is expected to go straight into the first team squad and challenge for minutes next season.
Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here: