“He will score…” – Maresca defends his struggling favourite who some fans want dropped | OneFootball

Chelsea are just hours away from a big game against Bournemouth in the Premier League, and they really need their man up top Liam Delap to do well.

Their manager Enzo Maresca has been speaking about one player in particular who has struggled a little since his summer move from Ipswich after their relegation.

Maresca defends his under pressure striker who he knows well

Liam Delap arrives at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

There were high hopes for Liam Delap as a missing piece of the puzzle, especially after some impressive Club World Cup showings. But it’s not working out for him yet, and there are plenty of people calling for him to be dropped so that the returning Cole Palmer can be fitted into the team.

“It was a long time for him to be out. I think he is getting better and the other day against Leeds, he had two or three chances where he could have done better,” the manager said.

“I know Liam from many years ago at Manchester City and I don’t have any doubts that he will score goals and be important for us.”

The idea is that we would see the return of Delap not only bring goals to the team, but also unlock Joao Pedro who would be able to play deeper rather than lead the line. Thus far, that’s simply not been the case. Neither of them is playing well, and that needs to change, soon.

In other presser news…

Estevao Willian was taken off at half time on Wednesday, and Enzo Maresca talked about that decision in his press conference today.

Maresca didn’t hold back when he was asked about whether his team needed more experience, pointing to one player who had experience who hadn’t played well in the game.