Gary Lineker makes Liam Delap prediction after first Chelsea goal, Didier Drogba point made

It didn’t take new Chelsea striker Liam Delap long to find the net for his new club, with him scoring a brilliant goal on just his second start.

The Englishman was part of a heavily-rotated side who took to the field for the crucial Club World Cup group stage game against ES Tunis, eventually running out 3-0 winners.

Even Tunisian media admitted Delap was too good for them, with them highlighting his ability on the ball as a real strength.

Delap’s place in the side looks secure for the immediate future, with Nicolas Jackson banned for the next game in the competition, as well as the first match of the upcoming Premier League season.

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Gary Lineker predicts Liam Delap could be first ‘excellent’ Chelsea striker since Didier Drogba

Despite decent campaigns for the Senegal international, Chelsea have been crying out for a striker to hit the heights of Didier Drogba and be recognised as one of the best in world football.

Gary Lineker believes the new number nine could be set to follow in the Ivorian’s footsteps, whilst also having a chance to take the place of Harry Kane in the England side.

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He said: “I really enjoyed Liam Delap’s goal. The way he brought it down, cut inside, and then very coolly slotted it into the corner of the net. Really wasn’t the play of someone that you think is overawed a little bit by the move, which will be hugely encouraging I think for Chelsea supporters in particular, and perhaps England supporters down the line.

“Is he the heir apparent possibly to Harry Kane? Well, he certainly looked cool and collected in that position in front of goal. A player I’ve really liked for a long time, I really think he’s got what it takes, and perhaps he’ll be the first Chelsea number nine since Didier Drogba to be excellent.”

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Delap taking on the Chelsea curse

Delap made the decision to take the number nine shirt at his new club, a challenge which Jackson decided not to take on.

A number of players who have taken the number in the past have failed to live up to expectations. Fernando Torres, Romelu Lukaku and Alvaro Morata have not delivered compared to the money spent on them.

The confidence of the Englishman to face the well-known weight of the shirt at Stamford Bridge should be really encouraging for Chelsea fans, who will be hoping to have a regular goalscorer in their ranks up front at last.

Delap has already formed a strong relationship with Enzo Fernandez, and it can be expected that the same will occur with former Manchester City academy star Cole Palmer.

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