Liam Delap isn’t interested in being known as just “Rory Delap’s son” anymore.
Sitting high above Philadelphia in Chelsea’s team hotel, the 22-year-old striker is busy carving out his own path.
And what a journey it’s been—from battling pain at Ipswich to now leading Chelsea’s front line at the Club World Cup.
A Gritty Striker with an Old-School Edge
Delap’s playing style is a bit of a throwback—something he proudly embraces.
“Maybe I am a little old-school,” he admits, “but that’s the way I play, and I don’t want to change it.”
That old-school attitude came through loud and clear last season when he powered through broken ribs to help Ipswich.
He picked up the injury just before a crucial clash against Chelsea in April, but kept going regardless.
“It was sore for a few weeks,” he said. “But I got through it.”
“I Love the Fight”: Why Delap Thrives on Physicality
For Delap, aggression isn’t just part of the job—it’s what fuels him.
“I love those battles,” he says. “It’s got to be controlled, but it’s who I’ve always been.
That edge? It’s part of my game.”
Still, that edge got him into some trouble—12 yellow cards last season, the most in the Premier League.
But Delap shrugs it off. “It was my first year in the Prem and playing with VAR. I’m not worried. I can control it.”
Club World Cup Drama Gives Delap His Moment
In Chelsea’s recent Club World Cup match against Flamengo, Delap was subbed off—only to watch teammate Nicolas Jackson get red-carded just four minutes after replacing him.
With Jackson now suspended, Delap is expected to lead the line tonight against ES Tunis.
“It was unlucky,” he says of Jackson’s dismissal.
“He didn’t mean it. These things happen in football.”
The No 9 Shirt Doesn’t Scare Him
When Delap arrived at Stamford Bridge, he didn’t hesitate to take the No 9 shirt—a number some say is cursed at Chelsea.
He’s unfazed. “To me, it’s just a number. There’s no pressure,” he says.
“I always liked it. Ronaldo wore it. Rooney wore it. It’s just a striker’s number.”
A Hot Prospect with Plenty of Suitors
Delap didn’t have a shortage of offers when his £30m release clause became active.
Manchester United, Newcastle, Everton, and Nottingham Forest were all circling.
But Chelsea won the race.
“It was a great position to be in,” Delap admits. “I took my time.
Spoke to people. Thought about the future.
The Champions League was a bonus, but what really sold me was the club’s project.
I know the manager, I know the system, and I know a lot of the players.”
Reuniting with Familiar Faces
Enzo Maresca, now managing Chelsea, worked with Delap at Manchester City’s development squad—where Delap bagged 24 goals in one season.
Cole Palmer was also a teammate there. Watching Palmer’s rapid rise is motivating, Delap says.
“Of course, that’s the goal. He’s smashed it, and I hope I can too.”
Swapping the Euros for a Bigger Dream
Had Chelsea not snapped him up before the Club World Cup, Delap would’ve been part of England’s Under-21 squad at the Euros.
He’s been keeping tabs and caught their quarter-final win over Spain.
“I really had my heart set on the Euros,” he said, “but Chelsea wanted me here. I want to be here too. I need to settle in.”
World Cup Hopes Are On the Horizon
With the 2026 World Cup coming up in the U.S., Delap is dreaming big.
And Maresca believes he could be England’s future No 9.
“It helps being at a club like this,” Delap says. “If I’m playing badly, I won’t get in.
But if I’m doing well, I’ve got a chance. I’ve wanted to play for England since I was a little kid.”
No Celebrity Needed to Seal This Deal
When Ipswich signed Delap from Man City for £20m, they brought in Ed Sheeran on FaceTime to help close the deal.
This time, Chelsea didn’t need any A-listers—just belief in his potential.
They see him as a long-term solution, a fierce, old-fashioned striker ready to take center stage.