Chelsea's Striker Dilemma: Jackson or Delap Ready to Lead the Attack?
Chelsea have never shied away from making substantial investments in the transfer market, and it's difficult to dispute that they required a new striker this summer.
The Blues moved swiftly in preparation for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, securing a £30 million ($40.4 million) deal for Ipswich Town's Liam Delap. While the forward showed promise with the relegated Suffolk club last season, he may not be the elite striker some Chelsea fans were anticipating.
The west London club already possesses a young, physically imposing, and developing number nine in Nicolas Jackson, with the Senegalese striker set to compete fiercely with Delap for the starting position in the upcoming 2025-26 campaign.
Both players are undoubtedly talented yet unrefined prospects, leaving Enzo Maresca with a significant decision regarding which striker to trust as his primary attacking option next season.
So which player should the Italian manager select? Let's examine these Chelsea strikers in detail.
Goalscoring
Chelsea have been desperately seeking a clinical finisher, and they might have found one in Delap. The imposing 22-year-old netted 12 Premier League goals for struggling Ipswich last season—accounting for one-third of the team's total goals—despite receiving minimal service, and he met his expected goals figure. In this regard, he surpassed Jackson's performance.
The 24-year-old managed only 10 league goals for the Blues despite an xG total of 13.83, though it should be noted he played seven fewer matches than Delap. Nevertheless, Jackson's wastefulness in front of goal has been a consistent issue during his time at Stamford Bridge, with the striker missing several excellent chances in the capital. He wasted 19 big chances in the 2024-25 Premier League season, nine more than Delap, who also demonstrated a superior conversion rate (17.7% versus 13.2%).
Although Jackson does register a higher percentage of shots on target, he clearly struggles to find the net's corners. For Delap, raw power is crucial, with goalkeepers finding it difficult to handle the intensity of his strikes.
Playmaking
Comparing Jackson and Delap's creative abilities proves difficult given the significant quality difference between their respective teams last season. Jackson operated within Chelsea's structured system alongside exceptionally skilled teammates, while Delap was largely isolated in Ipswich's counter-attacking approach.
However, the statistics clearly favor Jackson as the superior creator. He recorded five assists compared to Delap's two, averaged more goal and shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, and maintained a significantly higher pass completion rate last season. Visual assessment confirms the statistical evidence that the Senegalese forward possesses greater technical ability than Delap.
Nevertheless, Delap excels at carrying the ball forward. He completed 46.5% of his dribbles in the Premier League last season compared to Jackson's 29.5%, with his powerful 6'4 frame and unexpected pace making him difficult to halt when at full speed.
Defensive Work
Regarding work rate, Jackson dominates once more. Required to put in the defensive effort by Maresca, he utilizes his pace and strength to regularly pressure opponents, though his temperament can occasionally create problems.
Delap fulfilled a different role at Ipswich, where the team typically defended deep and absorbed pressure, but Jackson's superior work ethic cannot be questioned. The former Villarreal player exceeded his new teammate in tackles won, successful challenge percentage, blocks, and interceptions per 90 minutes last season.
Naturally, Delap will need to become more disciplined defensively under Maresca and must press from the front, while Jackson already understands what the Chelsea manager expects from his striker.
Nicolas Jackson or Liam Delap?
Maresca faces a complex decision next season, and there will certainly be considerable rotation between Jackson and Delap, particularly with the Blues' Champions League qualification.
Delap might be better suited for matches against weaker Premier League and European opponents, utilizing his commanding presence and scoring ability to give Chelsea the cutting edge they need against stubborn defenses and compact formations.
Conversely, Jackson could be favored for games against stronger teams, stretching defensive lines, chasing through balls, and linking up play. He scored or provided assists against Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa last season and can create significant problems for more attack-minded opponents.