- Liam Delap has been linked with a £30million move to Everton
- Former managers have consistently praised his physical and tactical qualities
- The striker’s profile appears well suited to David Moyes’ system
Lots of talk of an Everton bid for Liam Delap (who knows) but i the Toffees succeed in their reported pursuit of him, what will they be getting?
Apparently, they will be signing more than a goalscorer.
The 23-year-old has built a reputation as one of English football’s most promising young forwards, combining the physical presence of a traditional number nine with attributes increasingly demanded of modern strikers.
His development has certainly impressed the coaches who have worked with him.
While managing Ipswich Town, Kieran McKenna highlighted Delap’s “physical presence”, “strength back-to-goal” and his willingness to engage defenders physically. McKenna also admitted he had been surprised by the quality of the striker’s hold-up play and described him as “incredibly receptive” and “very football smart” when it came to taking on tactical information.
Those qualities help explain why Delap continues to attract interest despite his relative lack of top-flight experience.
A striker capable of leading the line
Everton have often looked most effective under Moyes when they possess a forward capable of giving the team a focal point.
Delap appears comfortable performing that role.
His ability to receive possession under pressure, protect the ball and bring team-mates into play has become an increasingly important part of his game. Rather than operating solely inside the penalty area, he regularly drops deeper, occupies defenders and creates space for others.
That all-round contribution has also been recognised elsewhere.
Enzo Maresca, who worked closely with Delap during their time at Manchester City, praised not only his goals but also “the way he plays and fights and is always there” for his team.
For a manager such as Moyes, reliability and work rate are qualities that carry significant value.
Still room for improvement
Delap’s age remains one of the most attractive aspects of any potential deal.
There is already evidence that he can cope with the physical demands of senior football, yet there is also a sense that further development is still to come.
There are areas to refine. Discipline has occasionally been an issue, with Maresca previously criticising the striker after an unnecessary dismissal and urging him to show greater control in certain situations.
That said, such flaws are hardly unusual for a young centre-forward who plays with aggression and intensity.
Pep Guardiola once described Delap as “so important for the future” during his time at Manchester City. While his career has taken a different route than many expected, the qualities that prompted that assessment remain evident.
If Everton do complete a deal, they would be acquiring a striker whose game appears naturally suited to the demands Moyes places on his centre-forwards – physical, hard-working and still improving.
