Liam Delap's Return Boosts Chelsea's Attacking Options Amidst Inconsistency
The Blues' Struggles and the Need for Delap's Return
Chelsea's recent form has been a cause for concern, with the team facing criticism for their inconsistency. After a surprising 2-1 loss to Sunderland, manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged the team's lack of creativity and poor crossing. The Blues' forwards have been struggling to find the back of the net, with no player scoring more than two goals in 13 matches across all competitions. This has left the domestic cups as their most realistic chance of winning a trophy this season.
Liam Delap's Role in Chelsea's Attacking Strategy
Liam Delap, a 22-year-old striker, is set to return from a hamstring injury at a crucial time for Chelsea. Delap's return is significant as he provides the team with a different type of striker, one who is not expected to score 20 goals each year like [Robert] Lewandowski, [Kylian] Mbappe, or [Erling] Haaland. Instead, Delap is a fantastic player who will score and provide assists, offering a unique dynamic to the team's attack.
The Number Nine Shirt and Its Curse
Some Chelsea fans believe that the number nine shirt, which Delap took in the summer, is cursed. However, Delap himself is unmoved by this belief, stating that it's just a number that has always been related to strikers and that he likes it without any pressure. The shirt has been worn by several players since 2006, with mixed results, including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Romelu Lukaku, and Tammy Abraham.
Chelsea's Set-Piece Success and Attacking Options
Despite their attacking struggles, Chelsea have found success in set-piece goals, ranking second in the Premier League in this category. Additionally, the team has 10 different scorers in the top flight this season, showcasing their depth and ability to adapt. With Delap's return, Chelsea's attacking options become even more diverse, providing Maresca with a range of strategies to overcome their inconsistency.
