Delap's playing style is traditional for a centre-forward, with a focus on putting the ball in the net rather than relying on other skills. Despite this, he has shown that he can be an effective player, winning 61 of his aerial duels last season and providing a physical presence in front of goal.
Chelsea saw off competition from other Premier League teams to sign Delap, with Manchester United, Newcastle, and Everton also interested in his services. Delap himself is excited about the move, stating that he believes in the club's trajectory and is eager to develop as a player.
Delap's arrival at Chelsea comes at a time when the club's strikers have underperformed in the 2024/25 season. Nicolas Jackson scored 10 goals, while Christopher Nkunku managed only 7. Delap's ability to hold up the ball and bring teammates into play could be a valuable asset for the Blues.
Delap's skill set suggests that he could be a real asset for Chelsea, particularly with players like Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke providing creative support. With Delap's size, strength, and goal-scoring ability, there is a reasonable expectation that he could score 20+ goals per season.
However, this also puts pressure on Delap to perform, which could be a challenge for the young striker. Nevertheless, Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna has praised Delap's ability to take on responsibility and improve every day.
For Chelsea to get the best out of Delap, they need to ensure that he becomes the attacking focal point of the team. With his 60.4% shooting accuracy and 32 shots on target, Delap has shown that he can be a clinical finisher. If Chelsea can provide the right support and create opportunities for him, Delap could be the missing piece in the puzzle for Enzo Maresca's team.