Liam Delap mistake evident with Everton transfer snub, Jamie Carragher explains why
Jamie Carragher believes Chelsea striker Liam Delap should have moved to Everton in the summer transfer window.
The former defender has highlighted the English centre-forward’s apparent mistake of not taking his time before joining a big team like the London club.
Delap was a major target at Hill Dickinson Stadium last summer, but the former Ipswich Town star snubbed the Toffees for Stamford Bridge.
The 23-year-old is now struggling for form and game time, and will surely be regretting turning down an approach from the Merseyside outfit, where he would arguably be playing a much more pivotal role.
Everton transfer was right move for Liam Delap after what’s happened at Chelsea
At a club like Chelsea, players have to hit the ground running because of the expectations to compete for and win titles, and Delap hasn’t done that.
For a young player like the English striker who still has a lot of learning to do, Hill Dickinson Stadium would undoubtedly have been the perfect next step from Ipswich.
The forward is now at a team where competition for places is immense, and minutes aren’t guaranteed unless he consistently finds the back of the net.
Speaking on Stick to Football on 12 February, Carragher said, “I just think young players when they’re on a journey getting better, the jump for me from Ipswich to Chelsea is too big, you need something in the middle, Everton or something. Playing centre-forward for Everton every game and knowing even if you have a few bad games or you’re injured, you’re going to play again. He’s never sure if he’s going to play at Chelsea.”
Delap has had his fitness issues at Stamford Bridge, which hasn’t helped his cause, but one goal in 17 Premier League appearances certainly isn’t good enough.
With Liam Rosenior putting his faith in Joao Pedro since taking over from Enzo Maresca, the English ace should be having second thoughts about his future.
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Delap could potentially be back in the market at the end of the season if the young forward feels his development is being hampered at Chelsea.
That would give Everton an incentive to make a renewed approach for the striker and present him with an ambitious plan at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Thierno Barry and Beto are the only two natural number nines at Moyes’ disposal, and considering their recent form, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the former Ipswich star pip them in the pecking order.
The Merseyside outfit are also aiming for a European finish in the Premier League, and the prospect of leading the line under the Scottish manager may be enticing for Delap this time around.
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