Teddy Sheringham optimistic over impact Liam Delap will make at Chelsea after Club World Cup displays

Liam Delap heads into this weekend's FIFA Club World Cup last sixteen clash with Benfica, having impressed so far in his three outings in the States. 

The striker moved to Chelsea earlier this month in a £30 million move from Ipswich Town and marked his debut with an assist against LAFC before finding the net and his first Blues goal in their victory over Esperance De Tunis. 

Delap is set to battle Nicolas Jackson for the starting berth at Stamford Bridge and speaking exclusively to DAZN News, thanks to Racing Tipster, Teddy Sheringham already likes what he sees. 

The former England striker is optimistic that Delap can be a top player for Chelsea, but has thrown caution not to expect too much too soon from the 22-year-old. 

"Young players for the future as well as the present, long contracts and all that. It’s an interesting one, this one," he said.

"I would put him on a similar footing to Nicolas Jackson, who’s already there, at the moment. I don’t know who they’ll prefer out of the two if they play just one up front. But, Delap is one for the future as well.


 
"And putting a 22-year-old who was at Ipswich, a relegated side, up top for Chelsea in the Champions League is going to be a big ask this coming season. So, it definitely feels like he’s there to share the load with Jackson early on. He’s still learning his game, so I’m optimistic that he can be a top player for them in the long run.
 
"But I don’t see this young lad being asked to lead the line for a top club in the Champions League straight away. It’s a big difference from playing for Ipswich, learning his trade and getting away with a few mistakes under the radar.

"Chelsea will build him up over time, like with a few other youngsters in that squad." 
 

Watch all 63 matches of the 2025 Club World Cup live on DAZN.  More information and to sign up for a free account here