Danny Murphy has told incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso to keep faith with striker Liam Delap despite his difficult debut season at Stamford Bridge.
Danny Murphy: Chelsea should sell struggling Garnacho but keep Liam Delap
The former England midfielder believes the 22-year-old forward brings unique qualities to Chelsea’s attack that no other player in the squad currently offers.
Delap joined Chelsea last summer following an impressive Premier League campaign with Ipswich Town.
However, the move quickly turned sour as the young striker managed just two goals in 41 appearances and fell down the pecking order.
Despite those struggles, Murphy insists Alonso should block any attempt to sell Delap when the transfer window opens.
“Delap is a young lad, and he brings some characteristics that Chelsea don’t have,” Murphy told Metro.
“He’s different to Joao Pedro, so I think Xabi Alonso will give him a crack.”
The £30m-rated forward faces a different situation to that of Alejandro Garnacho, who has also endured a miserable season at Chelsea. Murphy believes the Argentine winger is far more likely to leave.
“I think Alejandro Garnacho has struggled, and the fans haven’t taken to him,” Murphy added.
“If one was going to leave, I think it would more likely be Garnacho than Liam Delap.”
Alonso visited Chelsea’s training ground this week as he prepares to take over in July.
The 44-year-old replaces Liam Rosenior after the club finished 10th in the Premier League and failed to qualify for European competition.
The new manager must decide which players to keep as he reshapes the squad.
Chelsea also expect Nicolas Jackson and Emmanuel Emegha to return from loan spells, adding further competition up front.
But Murphy’s message is clear: Delap deserves another season to prove himself.
