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Chelsea's Liam Delap Labeled 'Terrific Talent' Despite Struggles
Former Premier League striker Louis Saha believes the young forward has the potential to shine, but has faced challenges this season.
Feb. 21, 2026 at 10:19am
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Former Premier League striker Louis Saha has labeled Chelsea's Liam Delap a "terrific talent" despite the 23-year-old's struggles this season. Delap, who joined Chelsea for £30 million last summer after Ipswich's relegation, has scored just two goals in 24 appearances across all competitions. Saha believes Delap's lack of form may be due to "bad timing" and a "wrong momentum", rather than a reflection of his talent.
Why it matters
Delap's struggles this season have raised questions about whether his move to Chelsea was too big a step, as suggested by pundit Jamie Carragher. However, Saha's comments indicate that the young forward still has significant potential that Chelsea will hope he can unlock, especially with additional competition arriving in the form of new signing Emmanuel Emegha.
The details
Chelsea fought off interest from several Premier League clubs to sign Delap last summer after Ipswich's relegation. However, the 23-year-old has struggled with injuries and inconsistent form, scoring just two goals in 24 appearances. Saha believes Delap's lack of success so far may be due to factors beyond his control, such as "bad timing" and the "wrong momentum", rather than a lack of talent. The former striker still sees Delap as a "terrific talent" who could have "really shined" at Chelsea under different circumstances.
- Delap joined Chelsea for £30 million last summer after Ipswich's relegation.
The players
Liam Delap
A 23-year-old English forward who joined Chelsea from Ipswich last summer for £30 million.
Louis Saha
A former Premier League striker who has praised Delap's talent despite his struggles this season.
Jamie Carragher
A Sky Sports pundit who believes Delap's move to Chelsea may have been too big a step for the young forward.
Emmanuel Emegha
A Dutch forward who has signed a seven-year contract with Chelsea and is expected to compete with Delap for minutes.
Joao Pedro
The Chelsea forward who has been in form, currently playing ahead of Delap in the team.
What they’re saying
“Delap is a terrific talent, and I think he could have really shined at Chelsea, but for some reason, it hasn't happened.”
— Louis Saha, Former Premier League Striker
“Joao Pedro came in, and it's a different style. It doesn't mean the player isn't good or couldn't have done really well at any other club. It's just sometimes there's bad timing, a wrong momentum. You come in, you miss a chance, and then the confidence goes.”
— Louis Saha, Former Premier League Striker
What’s next
Chelsea will be hoping Delap can build on his recent promising performance against Hull, where he recorded three assists. The arrival of Emmanuel Emegha in the summer is also expected to increase competition for minutes and potentially push Delap to rediscover his best form.
The takeaway
Delap's struggles this season highlight the challenges young players can face when making a big move to a top club. However, Saha's comments suggest the talent is still there, and with the right circumstances and support, Delap could still fulfill his potential at Chelsea.
