Liam Delap: The Chelsea No. 9 Curse And The Path To The England National Team

David

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Post on Jun 17, 2025

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

The hallowed number 9 shirt at Chelsea. A jersey steeped in history, worn by legends like Didier Drogba and, more recently, Romelu Lukaku. But in recent years, it's become synonymous with something else entirely: a curse. Can young Liam Delap, currently on loan at Stoke City, break this infamous jinx and ultimately cement his place in the England national team?

The pressure is immense. The Chelsea No. 9 shirt carries the weight of expectation, a burden that has seemingly crushed the hopes of several high-profile players. From Alvaro Morata's struggles to Lukaku's underwhelming second stint, the number has become a symbol of unfulfilled potential. This history casts a long shadow over any player brave – or foolish – enough to don the iconic jersey.

Delap's Journey: From Manchester City Prodigy to Stoke City Stardom?

Liam Delap, the son of former Stoke City and Derby County player Rory Delap, has already carved a name for himself as a prodigious talent. His time at Manchester City, albeit limited first-team opportunities, showcased his raw power, clinical finishing, and impressive aerial ability – traits that make him a unique and exciting prospect. A loan move to Stoke City offers him the perfect platform to showcase his abilities on a consistent basis. He needs regular game time, and the Championship provides that crucial experience.

The Key to Breaking the Curse: Consistent Performance and Mental Fortitude

Delap's success won't hinge solely on his natural talent. To overcome the psychological barrier of the Chelsea No. 9 curse (should he ever wear it), he needs consistent high-level performances. His time at Stoke City will be crucial in honing his skills, building confidence, and proving his worth against seasoned Championship defenders. Furthermore, he needs to demonstrate exceptional mental strength, the ability to handle the pressure and expectations that inevitably come with playing for a club like Chelsea.

• Championship Experience: The Championship is a notoriously physical and demanding league. Success here will undoubtedly bolster his credentials.
• Goal Scoring Consistency: Maintaining a high goal-scoring rate is paramount. This demonstrates his ability to deliver under pressure.
• All-Round Game Improvement: Beyond goals, Delap needs to improve his overall game, including his link-up play, hold-up play and defensive contributions.

The England National Team: A Realistic Goal?

The England national team is fiercely competitive. Delap faces stiff competition from established strikers like Harry Kane and emerging talents. However, his potential is undeniable. Consistent performances in the Championship, followed by a successful move to a top Premier League club, could propel him into Gareth Southgate's plans.

The Path to the National Team:

1. Dominate the Championship: Become a prolific goalscorer and key player for Stoke City.
2. Secure a Premier League Move: A successful move to a top-flight club is essential for national team consideration.
3. Consistent Performances at the Highest Level: Maintaining high standards in the Premier League will be crucial.

The road ahead is long and challenging, but Liam Delap possesses the potential to achieve greatness. Whether he can overcome the perceived Chelsea No. 9 curse and ultimately represent England remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: this young striker is a player to watch very closely. His journey is far from over, and the footballing world awaits with bated breath. Will he rise to the occasion and write his own story? Only time will tell.