Rosenior Reveals How Chelsea's Struggling Summer Star Can Finally Unleash His True Potential
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has declared that Liam Delap has been "unleashed" in recent matches and vowed to further develop the club's underperforming striker.
Delap was courted by numerous clubs during the summer transfer window. When it became apparent that a relegation clause in his Ipswich Town deal would be triggered following the Tractor Boys' downfall last campaign, a competitive lineup of interested parties quickly assembled around the promising English attacker available for merely £20 million ($26.9 million).
The Blues secured his signature, outmaneuvering rivals including Manchester United and Everton with the prospect of instant trophy success, according to the player himself. That choice hasn't quite delivered results yet.
The leveling goal in Chelsea's 2–1 loss to Fulham last week marked Delap's maiden Premier League strike for his new club following 560 goalless minutes. Physical setbacks and disciplinary issues have hindered the 22-year-old's initial six months in west London. He enters the campaign's second phase with more bookings (three) than strikes (two) in all tournaments.
However, Rosenior was eager to highlight the bright spots in a player he previously guided at Hull City during one Championship campaign in 2023–24.
"I believe Liam's last two displays show he appears unleashed," Rosenior recently emphasized. "I felt he was exceptional when he entered against Manchester City. He transformed the team significantly and it was wonderful to witness him find the net at Craven Cottage despite our defeat."
During Rosenior's tenure at Hull, Delap accumulated eight Championship strikes after beginning the season as a 20-year-old.
"I employ a specific approach with forwards that Liam understands and there are particular aspects I know my team and I can assist him with," Rosenior hinted. "He's familiar with us and our expectations from a No. 9 and the positioning they adopt in specific pitch areas. He stands 6'3", possesses tremendous pace and I'm excited to collaborate with him."
Delap: Rosenior Is an Incredible Coach and Person
Delap: Rosenior Is an Incredible Coach and Person
The mutual respect between Rosenior and Delap is clearly apparent. The England prospect praised his new manager as "an exceptional coach and an exceptional individual" in a recent conversation with Chelsea's official platform.
"I worked under him for a year and I believe his concepts, his approach and his football vision will truly benefit us and advance our game," Delap enthused. "Particularly myself and many of the young players he mentored at Hull, he genuinely helped us develop, and we're all performing excellently.
"I truly appreciate his leadership approach. As an individual, he's among the finest but can be refreshingly direct when necessary. I believe as a manager, that quality is essential. He will explain why you're not featuring, he'll identify areas for improvement, and he'll acknowledge your strengths."
Back in 2023, Liam Rosenior's Hull City became the first side to defeat Enzo Maresca's Leicester City in the Championship that season.
Liam Delap scored the winner.
Now the pair will be reunited at Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/sz22OljFmt
Delap's difficulties under Maresca, who also possessed previous experience coaching the striker in Manchester City's youth system, were predictable. The powerful center forward was adapting to a squad that operated at a vastly different pace than he was accustomed to.
Just three Premier League clubs advanced the ball upfield faster than Kieran McKenna's Ipswich last season, while Maresca's Chelsea ranked as the division's second-most methodical team (frequently too deliberate for numerous supporters).
Nevertheless, beyond tactical considerations, Delap's challenges were also fitness-related. "It was a challenging beginning for me with injuries; it's tough when you join a new club and cannot establish consistent momentum," he reflected this week.
Just 14 minutes had elapsed in Delap's third Premier League outing for Chelsea before he sustained a hamstring injury that sidelined him for two months. A shoulder problem also forced the striker to miss four matches in December alone.
No health concerns have emerged since Christmas and Delap echoes Rosenior's confidence regarding his upcoming progress. "Currently, match by match, I'm becoming stronger and more prepared," he stated, "and hopefully I can contribute to the team throughout the remainder of the season."