Everton
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Everton’s pursuit of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town last year ended in disappointment as the striker opted to join Chelsea instead. However, football pundit and former Everton winger Pat Nevin has suggested that the Toffees should consider making another attempt to sign the young talent at the end of the current season. Nevin, who transferred from Chelsea to Everton in 1988, believes Delap could thrive at Goodison Park.
Pat Nevin said: “It’s stepping stones for Liam Delap. The numbers aren’t looking great in terms of goals scored and assists and things like that, and they’re trying to find different positions for him, playing him slightly wider than you would normally when he is brought on. I really like him as a player, I would love him on my team. When I was a player, I’d love a player to hit balls into space for. Because he runs, and he stretches teams, and makes more space for yourself if you’re a creative midfielder. And I think the Chelsea fans have got a lot of time for him because he works hard.”
Nevin continued: “You look back at the likes of Timo Werner, Chelsea fans were all right with him because he worked for them. He may not be the best player in the world sometimes. I think Liam is a better all-round player than Timo Werner because there’s more technical stuff to his game. He’s also shown that he can score at this level.”
He added: “Chelsea will move in that position in the summer, they’ll do something, and they’ll adapt, and who knows what will happen with Chelsea in the summer. But certainly that centre-forward position is something to look at because Joao Pedro is not a problem, he’s great but you’d rather have him one behind as one of the tens.”
Nevin concluded: “Everton need a centre forward, don’t they? So, in my dream scenario, Liam strikes me as the right fit for someone like Everton. Looking forward, I don’t think it would hurt Chelsea, I don’t think it would hurt Everton in any way, and I don’t think it would hurt Delap if he did move to Everton and then was allowed to flourish.”
Delap’s move to Chelsea has been a topic of discussion, particularly regarding his playing position and the club’s future plans. Nevin’s comments highlight the potential for Delap to develop further at Everton, where he could fill a crucial role as a centre forward. With Everton’s current need for a striker, Delap’s technical skills and ability to score could make him an ideal candidate. As the summer transfer window approaches, it remains to be seen whether Everton will act on Nevin’s advice and pursue Delap once more.
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