How does Delap stack up against Jackson?
Given Liam Delap scored his first Chelsea goal in the win against ES Tunis and, with Nicolas Jackson serving a ban, he can use the Club World Cup to press his claim for a starting role in 2025-26.But how do the two forwards compare?Delap, 22, had to make the most of limited service as Ipswich struggled in the Premier League last term. He had far fewer touches in the box than Jackson and, as a result, attempted over twice as many shots from outside the area.But, despite this, he scored two more goals than Jackson, netting 12 times from an xG of just 9.3. He also posted better shot conversion and shot accuracy figures and was far more efficient at converting what Opta define as 'big chances' – a weak spot for Senegal forward Jackson, who only scored seven of 26 such opportunities.
Overall, the two players offer contrasting profiles for Blues boss Enzo Maresca. Jackson has shown he suits a possession-focused side, completing 76.9% of his passes last term while often looking to lay the ball off to nearby team-mates.Usually more isolated, Delap had to rely on hopeful flick-ons when receiving long balls up to him but did excel in terms of workrate and hard running.With Ipswich often on the back foot, the England Under-21s international used his pace and power to carry the ball forward whenever possible, covering over 3,000m, and taking on opponents 89 times – 27 more than Jackson (who also has genuine speed).Delap also contributed more off the ball, contesting almost twice as many duels and winning a higher proportion of his tackles.His industry – and his penchant for roughing up defenders – meant he was regularly penalised by referees, accumulating 72 fouls, the second highest in the Premier League.That figure was almost twice as many as Jackson and he picked up nearly double the number of yellow cards as his new striking rival (12 to seven).However, Delap was not sent off, and instead, it is Jackson whose reckless red cards against Newcastle in May and Flamengo in the Club World Cup, have put his disciplinary record under the microscope.How do you think Delap will fare in the 2025-26 season? Will he reach double figures for goals?And do you put him as first choice striker above Jackson?Let us know your thoughts
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