Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has praised the “fantastic” Liam Delap and believes that the 21-year-old striker can have a big impact on an international stage.
Maresca worked with Delap when he was coaching at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola and the England Under-21 forward was beginning to break through.
With Ipswich entertaining Chelsea at Portman Road on Monday, Maresca knows exactly what threat Delap will pose his side.
“Liam is a fantastic player for his age,” Maresca said. We spent one year together and he scored 22/24 goals – he’s a very good striker.
“He works hard on and off the ball – he understands the game and can score goals.
“England are lucky with many good players and strikers [but] because of his age, he can be an important player for England.”
Maresca also spoke about how impressed he has been with Town boss Kieran McKenna who has led the Tractor Boys back to the Premier League.
“He’s doing fantastic,” Maresca said. “Since he joined Ipswich, they are doing top.
“Even this year they are doing well. Congratulations to him for what he is doing since he joined the club.”
Full commentary of Ipswich v Chelsea from 19:45 GMT on Monday on BBC Radio 5 Live
