Will Liam Delap's Talent End The Chelsea No. 9 Shirt's Troubled History? England Call-Up In Sight?

David

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Post on Jun 17, 2025

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Will Liam Delap's Talent End the Chelsea No. 9 Shirt's Troubled History? England Call-Up in Sight?

The Chelsea number 9 shirt. A jersey steeped in history, yet recently synonymous with underperformance. From the legendary goalscoring feats of Didier Drogba to the more recent struggles of Romelu Lukaku and others, the iconic shirt carries a weight of expectation that few have successfully shouldered in recent years. Could young Liam Delap, currently on loan at Stoke City, be the one to finally break the curse? His burgeoning talent suggests it might just be possible, and an England call-up could be on the horizon.

A History of Disappointment:

The Chelsea No. 9 shirt has a legacy, but a complicated one. While Drogba's name is etched into club folklore, the years since his departure have seen a parade of high-profile forwards fail to live up to the expectations. Players like Alvaro Morata, Gonzalo Higuaín, and even Lukaku, despite periods of promise, ultimately fell short of consistently delivering the goals expected of a Chelsea No. 9. This consistent underperformance has created a perception, almost a mythos, around the cursed nature of the shirt.

Delap's Potential: A Breath of Fresh Air?

Enter Liam Delap. The young striker, currently showcasing his impressive finishing ability at Stoke City, possesses a raw power and clinical instinct that has caught the eye of many. His loan spell is proving to be a crucial developmental period, allowing him to gain valuable first-team experience and hone his skills under pressure. His goalscoring record speaks for itself, hinting at a potential to become a truly prolific striker.

The Key Attributes:

• Clinical Finishing: Delap's ability to find the back of the net is undeniable. His composure in front of goal is far beyond his years.
• Physical Presence: He’s a powerful striker, difficult to dispossess, and capable of holding up the ball effectively.
• Adaptability: While primarily a center-forward, he's shown signs of adaptability, suggesting a potential to thrive in different tactical systems.

The England Call-Up Question:

With such impressive performances, whispers of an England call-up are growing louder. Gareth Southgate has always emphasized the importance of form, and Delap's consistent goalscoring could make him a serious contender for a spot in future squads. While competition is fierce, his potential is undeniable, and a call-up wouldn't be a surprise to many.

Can Delap Break the Curse?

Whether Delap can truly end the troubled history of the Chelsea No. 9 shirt remains to be seen. It's a significant challenge, one that demands consistency and resilience at the highest level. However, his talent is undeniable, and the signs are certainly promising. His loan spell at Stoke is a crucial stepping stone, and if he continues his current trajectory, a return to Stamford Bridge, and potentially wearing that famous number 9 shirt, seems a very real possibility. His future looks bright, and the potential impact on both Chelsea and the England national team could be immense. Only time will tell if he can truly rise to the occasion and redefine the legacy of that iconic number.

What are your thoughts? Can Liam Delap become a Chelsea legend? Let us know in the comments below!