Enzo Maresca has hinted Liam Delap could start Chelsea’s second Club World Cup game against Flamengo on Friday.
The Blues made Delap their first summer signing after agreeing a deal worth £30m with Ipswich to land one of Maresca’s top targets.
Chelsea fought off strong competition from Manchester United to land the England under-21 international and he will provide competition and a much needed alternative to Nicolas Jackson.
Maresca hints Delap could start against Flamengo
Jackson was given the nod ahead of Delap against LAFC, but the 22-year-old came off the bench and impressed with his second half cameo.
Delap was a handful for the LAFC defence and set up Enzo Fernandez for the second goal in the 2-0 win, with fans pleased with what they saw from Chelsea’s new number nine.
Cole Palmer believes Delap is one of the best strikers in the Premier League, whilst Maresca was also impressed with his performance.
Chelsea play Brazilian side Flamengo on Friday and Maresca has hinted Delap could be handed his first start for the club.
“First of all, it’s a tournament and we have three games in less than ten days, so we need to rotate for sure he told Chelsea’s official app.
“[For example] Liam (Delap) is not starting today, Nico (Jackson) is starting. The next game we will see, but for sure we will rotate players.”
Chelsea looking for versatile attacker
It appears Delap will be the only out and out striker joining this summer, with Chelsea keen to add a versatile striker to their squad.
With Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix set to depart this summer a replacement will be required, and Chelsea have been linked with Hugo Ekitike and Mohammed Kudus.
Frankfurt are demanding €100m for Ekitike, a price Chelsea are said to not be prepared to meet, whilst West Ham could allow Kudus to leave for less than the £85m clause in his contract.
