Wayne Rooney has stripped back the noise surrounding Liam Delap’s difficult debut season at Chelsea, using just one word to sum up the young striker.
If there’s anyone you want to take advice from, it’s Wayne Rooney. Especially in Liam Delap‘s position, as a striker struggling to come good at a big club like Chelsea.
Like Delap, Rooney started his career at a lower club, like Everton, before moving to one of the most successful clubs at the time, Manchester United, with all the pressure on his shoulders.
Delap’s switch from Ipswich Town has seen him adjust to a completely new system at Chelsea, going from a counter-attacking side to possession-based football. His two goals in all competitions are evidence that the transition has really hampered the Englishman.
Despite this, Rooney still has a positive outlook.
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John Obi Mikel on rumours involving Chelsea's Cole Palmer and Manchester United
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Wayne Rooney calls Liam Delap ‘powerful’
In a video on the Overlap’s socials, Wayne Rooney was asked to describe Premier League forwards using just one word.
Liam Delap’s name brought about a positive response of ‘powerful’.
It’s a word that Chelsea fans would have recognised Delap by after his performances at Chelsea, but he’s gotten too involved in the dark arts of the game of late.
Meanwhile, another great Premier League striker, Alan Shearer, believes that Delap needs more urgency.
If you could use just ONE word, how would you describe Liam Delap at Chelsea?
Wayne Rooney describes Chelsea striker Liam Delap using one word
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Liam Delap needs to take inspiration from Wayne Rooney
Liam Delap can find his Chelsea resurrection by studying the aggression and relentless work ethic that defined Wayne Rooney’s career. The potential is there, but the execution requires a shift in mentality.
Much like a young Rooney at Everton, Delap possesses a stocky physique that he must learn to weaponise. Rooney thrived by being a physical nightmare for defenders, refusing to be too nice or play like a luxury player, a trap Delap has fallen into during his recent struggles under Liam Rosenior.
Beyond the grit, Delap can learn the art of being selfless. Rooney was famous for tracking back and sacrificing his own positioning to create space for others, a trait Delap needs to adopt to better support Cole Palmer. His hat-trick of assists against Hull City was a step in the direction with this.
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