“We spent one year together, i think he scored 22 or 24 goals” - Enzo Maresca heaps praises on 21-year-old striker linked with move to Chelsea

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca has praised Ipswich Town star Liam Delap ahead of their Premier League clash at Portman Road on Monday, December 30. The Blues have been linked with a move for the former Manchester City star, who has been in impressive form since making the switch to the newly-promoted side.

England youth international Delap, like Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia, is a player well-known to the recruitment team and coach of Chelsea. The 21-year-old was developed at Manchester City, spending time on loan at Hull City in the Championship before completing a permanent move to Ipswich in the summer. He worked with Maresca during the Italian's time in charge of Manchester City's U-23 side, and they won the PL2 title together.

Chelsea have been reported to have an interest in Delap, who is regarded as one of the finest young strikers in the Premier League. Maresca spoke glowingly of the youngster during his press conference ahead of the meeting between the Blues and the Tractor Boys. He said (via @Blue_Footy on X):

"Liam is a fantastic player, we spent one year together. I think he scored 22 or 24 goals. This is a very good striker - works hard off the ball, on the ball, he understands the game and he can score goals. Because of his age, I think he can be an important player for England."

Liam Delap has been the biggest shining light for Ipswich Town amid their struggles since gaining promotion to the Premier League. The youngster has scored six goals in 16 league games and will be hopeful of adding a couple against the Blues.

Winless in their last two games, Chelsea and Maresca will look to prove that this run of form is just a blip in an otherwise excellent campaign so far. Former Blues youngster Omari Hutchinson, who joined Ipswich in the summer, will get a chance to showcase his quality in front of the Blues.

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Chelsea star picks up injury amid hectic schedule

Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has suffered an injury, which caused him to miss out on the squad for their defeat against Fulham on Boxing Day. The 26-year-old, a summer signing from Leicester City, has picked up an undisclosed problem and is unavailable for the Ipswich game.

Dewsbury-Hall cost the Blues £30 million in the summer after an excellent season under Enzo Maresca at the King Power Stadium in the 2023-24 season. The English midfielder has found himself behind the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer in midfield, leading him to accept a bit-part role.

Maresca has handed Dewsbury-Hall five league appearances so far this season. The majority of his appearances have come in the UEFA Europa Conference League and Carabao Cup. Dewsbury-Hall has yet to start a single league game for the side and has been linked with a move away in the January transfer window.