Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Chelsea striker Liam Delap currently looks out of the starting plans at Stamford Bridge under Xabi Alonso, however must take inspiration from another young striker making his mark for Aston Villa in the Super Cup.
Delap has a point to prove wherever he plays his football next season. He is off the back of a Premier League season where he scored just one goal.
The Englishman’s struggles in pre-season have continued, and the signing of Danny Welbeck has only added another obstacle in his path of making it in West London.
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Liam Delap can benefit from Aston Villa’s Brian Madjo Super Cup performance vs PSG
The new season’s traditional curtain-raiser of the Super Cup took place on Wednesday, and despite PSG’s victory all the talk has been about Villa striker Brian Madjo.
The 17-year-old scored and dominated the Champions League holders, sending a clear message to Thomas Tuchel about his international future.
Paris Saint-Germain v Aston Villa - UEFA Super Cup 2026
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It remains to be seen if Harry Kane has any more tournaments for England in him, and there have been concerns over who will lead the line following his retirement.
Delap was seen as the obvious replacement, but he is so far yet to register a single senior appearance for the Three Lions, and his club form hasn’t helped his case.
With Madjo eligible to play for England, this needs to be the wake up call for Delap to get his career as a top-level striker back on track before his international dreams are over.
Xabi Alonso on Marco Palestra
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Delap will benefit from leaving Chelsea
Joao Pedro is the clear first choice striker at Stamford Bridge, and the combination of Welbeck, Nicolas Jackson and Emanuel Emegha will all be looking for minutes too.
The only thing that will allow Delap to improve is playing regular minutes, and he is more likely to find this away from Chelsea.
Premier League clubs have interest in Delap, after he was wanted by the majority of the league before deciding to join the Blues 12 months ago.
Clubs like Everton are looking out for a number nine to lead their side, and this could be the perfect move to get Delap’s career back on track.