In the saturated world of hyped young football prospects, every so often a talent emerges that demands the spotlight. For 21-year-old Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, that moment has undeniably arrived. The powerful forward’s meteoric rise from Manchester City castoff to Premier League scoring sensation has football pundits salivating at his potential. More than just a hot prospect, Delap is quickly establishing himself as England’s most promising young striker – and perhaps the heir apparent to lead the line for the Three Lions.
A Premier League Breakout
Delap’s blistering start to life in the Premier League with newly-promoted Ipswich Town has been nothing short of remarkable. The hulking forward’s combination of searing pace, brute strength, and poacher’s instincts has seen him notch 8 goals in his debut top-flight campaign, good for third among English players.
What’s more impressive is that Delap is putting up these numbers for a side battling to avoid relegation, often having to feast on scraps of service. When he does get a sniff at goal, the youngster has proven utterly ruthless:
- 6 touches, 1 goal vs Brentford
- 16 touches, 1 goal vs Tottenham
- 18 touches, 2 goals vs Aston Villa
This predatory efficiency in the box, coupled with his imposing physicality, has drawn comparisons to English striking legends like Alan Shearer and Les Ferdinand. Delap’s ability to punish teams with even the slightest glimpse of goal makes him a rare throwback to the classic English No. 9.
Delap’s Ipswich Impact
Under manager Kieran McKenna, Delap has rapidly developed from a raw prospect into the focal point of Ipswich’s attack. His tireless work rate and willingness to battle center-backs has made him a fan favorite at Portman Road.
“He’s an absolute monster, a throwback to the old-fashioned center-forward. Defenders hate playing against him because he never stops.”
– Kieran McKenna on Liam Delap
Beyond just goals, Delap’s all-action style has made him integral to Ipswich’s survival hopes. The youngster ranks in the league’s top 10 for defensive pressures from a forward, while only two players have committed more fouls. He is the quintessential battering ram up front.
The Last of a Dying Breed?
In an era where many clubs have shifted away from using a traditional target man striker, Delap’s emergence feels almost anachronistic. English academies are churning out tricky wingers and false nines, but the brawny No. 9 seems to be fading into obscurity.
Looking across the Premier League, it’s hard to find many young English strikers able to combine power and pace like Delap. At just 21, he already looks a player out of time, but one with the skills to thrive as a throwback. As manager McKenna notes:
“Liam is unique. You just don’t see many strikers with his blend of attributes coming through anymore. He’s physically dominant but also has great movement and finishing ability. He’s a rare breed.”
– Kieran McKenna
Solving England’s Striker Dilemma
This dearth of elite young strikers could open the door for Delap to solve England’s perennial center-forward problem. Captain Harry Kane remains in pole position, but at 31 years old, the national team will soon need a succession plan.
Delap’s combination of youth and Premier League pedigree make him a prime candidate to lead the line for England in the coming years. If he can maintain his torrid scoring form, international recognition feels inevitable.
Other English strikers like Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke have impressed, but both are already in their late 20s. The 21-year-old Delap could be the long-term answer England have been crying out for.
From Etihad to England?
Of course, Delap’s journey to this point hasn’t been straightforward. A product of Manchester City’s vaunted academy, the striker found first-team opportunities limited at the Etihad. Despite Pep Guardiola publicly praising his abilities, Delap was never able to translate record-breaking youth scoring form to the City first team.
Loan spells at Stoke, Preston, and Hull offered mixed success, often with Delap shunted out to the wing. It’s taken a £20 million move to Ipswich and the faith of Kieran McKenna to truly unlock his vast potential in his preferred center-forward role.
“This is a player who broke all sorts of records in the academy. We knew if we could get him firing in his best position, the goals would come. He just needed trust and a platform to show what he can do.”
– Kieran McKenna
A New English Attacking Hope
As Delap prepares to face his former club Manchester City this weekend, his remarkable rise shows no signs of slowing down. The 21-year-old looks a generational English striking talent, combining throwback No. 9 skills with a very modern sense of efficiency.
With a clear pathway to the England setup and no shortage of suitors lining up big-money transfers, Liam Delap’s time in the spotlight may only just be beginning. If the Ipswich man can continue his breakout Premier League form, he may just be the answer to the national team’s prayers for a prolific, long-term striker solution.
One thing is for certain – Liam Delap is an English attacking talent worth getting very excited about. His rare abilities could make him the future face of Three Lions football in the years to come. The hype is real, and it may be time to believe it.
