Enzo Maresca praisesLiam Delap, wants a 'copy' of Chelsea's 'perfect No. 9' Nicolas Jackson in summer transfer window
Published 11/04/2025 at 23:26 GMT+1
Enzo Maresca was effusive in his praise of Liam Delap ahead of Chelsea's Premier League showdown with Ipswich Town at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The Italian will be hoping to add more depth to his attacking options this summer, and wants to find another player in the mould of Nicolas Jackson. The Blues sit fourth in the table ahead of hosting The Tractor Boys, who are 12 points adrift of safety.
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Enzo Maresca lauded "fantastic" Liam Delap ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Ipswich Town on Sunday, and heaped praise on "perfect No. 9" Nicolas Jackson as he looks to find competition for the Senegalese frontman this summer.
Delap has been a shining light in a difficult campaign for Kieran McKenna’s side after netting 12 goals this season, and according to widespread reports, could leave for £30 million if Ipswich succumb to a likely relegation back to the Championship.
The Chelsea head coach worked with Delap during their time together at Manchester City, and the Italian waxed lyrical about the forward’s qualities.
Maresca said: "In terms of numbers, he’s doing fantastic. It’s not just in terms of his numbers. The way he plays and fights and is always ‘there’. But he’s an Ipswich player.
"He’s an enemy on Sunday because we need to beat them, and then after the game I wish him all the best for the future."
Maresca also assessed Delap’s qualities alongside the likes of Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, but admits that making such comparisons is a bit premature.
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He continued: "To compare Liam [Delap] with Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, I think it’s a bit early.
"But for sure, in terms of style he’s that kind of player. They are all real nines. They are No. 9s inside the box.
"But we also have a good No. 9 [in Jackson]. He’s doing well since we started. Unfortunately, we’ve missed him, and sometimes you need to miss players to realise how important they are for you.
"With Nico, we are a completely different team compared to when he was injured. We are happy with Nico as our striker."
The Italian made no secret of the fact that Chelsea would like to bolster their forward line in the summer, and is ideally looking to find ‘a copy’ of Jackson.
"My perfect No. 9 is exactly Nico Jackson," he explained. "We already have a No. 9. It’s not summer now.
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"If we can have a copy of Nico, it’s okay. I have said many times, and you can see as well, with Nico we are a better team. Nico is the one we need.
"Last season, he scored goals without penalties. This season he scored goals until he was injured. Now, hopefully he can score more goals without penalties."
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