Enzo Maresca tips Liam Delap as 'future England number nine' ahead of Chelsea debut

Delap, 22, completed a 30 million pounds move to Stamford Bridge from Ipswich Town earlier this month, reuniting with Maresca - his former coach in Manchester City's academy setup. The powerful forward penned a six-year deal with the Blues following a breakthrough Premier League campaign, where he netted 12 goals in 37 appearances.

As Chelsea prepare for their FIFA Club World Cup opener against LAFC in Atlanta on Monday, Maresca made no attempt to hide his belief in Delap's international potential.

"I said Liam can be England's number nine when we faced Ipswich, and now that he's a Chelsea player, I'll say it again," Maresca told reporters.

"I have no doubt that he can be the future England No.9."

Delap flourished under Maresca's guidance at City's U23 level, scoring over 20 goals in a single season, and the Chelsea boss believes the understanding between them will prove mutually beneficial.

"It's a win-win. We like Liam, Liam likes us - it was an easy conversation. He knows exactly what we can give him, and I know what he brings to the table."

Despite the strong endorsement, Maresca was quick to stress that Delap will face stiff competition for a starting role. Incumbent striker Nicolas Jackson remains in contention, and Maresca stopped short of confirming Delap's place in the starting XI for the Club World Cup opener.

Delap is one of several fresh faces in Chelsea's revamped squad. Joining him are returning loanee Andrey Santos and teenage signings Dario Essugo, Mamadou Sarr, and Mike Penders.

Maresca also addressed the club's transfer priorities, revealing that Chelsea are actively seeking a new left winger following their decision to pay a 5 million pounds penalty fee to opt out of signing Jadon Sancho permanently from Manchester United.

"Jadon is not with us. So that's definitely a position we need to address," Maresca said.

"Misha (Mykhailo Mudryk) isn't available either. Right now, we only have Noni (Madueke), Pedro (Neto), and Ty (George) as proper wingers, so something will happen."

Chelsea are reportedly preparing a renewed bid for Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens after a 42 million pounds offer was turned down prior to the tournament.

Despite recent reports linking the club with a move for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, Maresca reiterated his faith in current No.1 Robert Sanchez.

"Robert is the number one. We have Filip (Jorgensen) as number two," he stated.
"Penders will join us in the coming weeks so we can evaluate him properly. As for Maignan or others, I don't think it's worth discussing names that aren't here."

With Chelsea looking to rebuild under Maresca and challenge on multiple fronts next season, the integration of young talent like Delap could prove pivotal. But competition remains fierce-and the summer transfer window may bring further twists.