Liam Delap is unfazed by the weight of Chelsea’s No.9 shirt as he prepares to lead the line in Tuesday’s Club World Cup group-stage clash against Esperance.
The 22-year-old striker, who arrived at Stamford Bridge in a 30 million pounds deal from Ipswich Town this summer, is set for his second start with the Blues, stepping in for the suspended Nicolas Jackson. Despite the pressure surrounding the iconic number – a shirt that has seemingly derailed a string of high-profile predecessors – Delap is unfazed.
Chelsea’s number nine shirt has become synonymous with unfulfilled potential in recent years. From Fernando Torres to Alvaro Morata, Gonzalo Higuain to Romelu Lukaku, and most recently Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the list of strikers who failed to live up to expectations has sparked talk of a “curse” – something even former manager Thomas Tuchel acknowledged in 2022 when he admitted “nobody wants to touch the No. 9.”
Delap, however, is having none of it.
“I’m not that type of person,” the England U21 international said. “It’s something people speculate about, but it doesn’t mean anything to me. It’s just a number – one traditionally associated with strikers, and that’s why I chose it. There’s no pressure from it.”
Delap is expected to lead the line in Philadelphia with Jackson suspended after a reckless red card just four minutes into his substitute appearance during Friday’s 2-1 loss to Flamengo. Chelsea now need at least a draw to secure a place in the round of 16 – where Bayern Munich could await.
Competition for minutes at the Blues is fierce, but Delap welcomes the challenge.
“With the size of the club, there’s always going to be competition, and I think players thrive off that,” he said. “You’ve got to work harder, push yourself. It’s Chelsea – it’s meant to be tough, and I relish that.”
Known for his physical approach, Delap has drawn attention for his combative edge on the pitch. Booked 13 times in all competitions last season – and again against Flamengo – he admits managing that aggression will be key at the highest level.
“I’ve had that edge since I was a kid. I love the battles, I love the physical side, and I won’t change my mindset,” Delap said. “It’s about staying on the right side of that edge. It’s something I enjoy, but I know I need to control it more, especially now playing with VAR in the Premier League. It’s a learning curve, but nothing I’m worried about.”
With Chelsea facing a high-stakes match in Philadelphia, Delap’s confidence, composure, and clear-eyed approach to the number nine legacy could be just what the Blues need – not just for Tuesday, but for the season ahead.
