Coach Olivier Giroud, who used to play for Chelsea and now plays for Los Angeles FC, thinks that Liam Delap will do well at Stamford Bridge after moving there from Ipswich Town in the summer and flying straight to the US to fight in the Club World Cup.
When the Tractor Boys were relegated from the Premier League, Blues head coach Enzo Maresca and members of the recruitment department took advantage by activating the £30 million release clause in the England under-21 international’s contract. This made him Nicolas Jackson’s biggest rival for a regular starting spot.
Delap now wears the No. 9 shirt since joining Chelsea, which means he is under a lot of pressure to do well in his new environment. However, Giroud is sure that the 22-year-old can make a name for himself at Stamford Bridge because he is joining a positive group of players.
The forward who used to play for Chelsea and Arsenal said:
“When I signed with AC Milan, Paolo Maldini asked me on our first Zoom call, ‘Are you sure about the No.9? It’s kind of cursed.'” To make myself good and score goals, I said it wasn’t about the number on my back, so I chose the No.9. I proved to him that there was no harm by being healthy.
“It’s about where you play on the field; being a striker is hard work.” Being strong in your mind, having character, and having the right frame of mind are all important. You need to keep working hard and stay positive even when things are hard. As a scorer, you have to deal with a lot of stress.
“He will do well if he has a good attitude.” He seems like a very smart and bright kid. The boys will help him fit in, so I think he’ll be fine.
In the group stage of the Club World Cup on June 16, Giroud and LAFC of the MLS will play Chelsea for the first time. Delap is set to make his debut for Chelsea. There are also games against Flamengo and ES Tunis for the Blues, who want to make it to the next round and add another prize to their collection.
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