Liam Delap: The Chelsea No. 9 Curse And The Path To An England International Debut

David

3 min read

Post on Jun 17, 2025

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Liam Delap: Can He Break the Chelsea No. 9 Curse and Reach the England Team?

The iconic Chelsea No. 9 shirt. A jersey steeped in history, worn by legends like Didier Drogba and Franco Zola. But in recent years, it's become synonymous with something else entirely: a frustrating curse. Can young Liam Delap, currently on loan at Stoke City, defy the odds and not only succeed where others have faltered but also earn a coveted spot in the England national team?

The pressure on any player inheriting the Chelsea No. 9 is immense. The expectation is to deliver goals, week in, week out, to lead the line with power and precision. Recent incumbents, however, haven't lived up to this legacy, prompting many to whisper about a curse. From Alvaro Morata's struggles to Romelu Lukaku's disappointing return, the shirt has seemed almost jinxed. This weight of expectation is a hurdle any young player, even one as talented as Delap, must overcome.

Delap's Potential: A Striking Talent

Liam Delap, son of former Premier League player Rory Delap, possesses undeniable potential. His raw power, clinical finishing, and impressive aerial ability make him a formidable striker. His loan spell at Stoke City offers valuable first-team experience, a crucial element in his development. Regular game time, facing varying defensive strategies, allows him to hone his skills and build confidence. This experience is far more valuable than sitting on the bench at a top club.

Key aspects of Delap's game:

• Aerial prowess: Inheriting his father's powerful throw-ins, Delap is a significant threat in the air, winning headers and creating chances.
• Clinical finishing: He possesses a natural instinct for goal, capable of finding the back of the net with both feet and his head.
• Physical presence: Delap’s strength and physique allow him to hold up the ball effectively and bring teammates into play.

The Path to an England Debut: A Long Road

The journey from Stoke City to an England international debut is a long and challenging one. However, Delap’s talent isn’t in question. His performances this season will be crucial in determining his future. Consistent goalscoring, coupled with improved all-around play, will attract the attention of Gareth Southgate and the England coaching staff.

Competition for places in the England squad is fierce. Established strikers like Harry Kane and Ivan Toney currently hold dominant positions, while emerging talents are constantly pushing for recognition. Delap will need to showcase exceptional form to break into this elite group.

Breaking the Curse and Building a Legacy

Liam Delap’s future is far from written. He faces a significant challenge in overcoming the supposed "Chelsea No. 9 curse," a psychological barrier that has hampered many promising players. More importantly, his path to the England team requires consistent high-level performance, continuous improvement, and a touch of luck.

However, if he can harness his raw talent, overcome the pressure, and consistently deliver on the pitch, then the possibility of an England debut, and a successful career defying the curse, becomes significantly more likely. His journey will be one to watch closely.

What are your thoughts on Liam Delap's potential? Share your predictions in the comments below!