Liam Delap or Nicolas Jackson: Who should lead Chelsea’s attack?
Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca faces a major battle in choosing between Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson.
As Chelsea prepares for a pivotal season under Enzo Maresca, one major question looms large: who should lead the line—Liam Delap or Nicolas Jackson? Both strikers bring different qualities to the table, and the answer could shape Chelsea’s attacking identity in a year where expectations are sky-high.
Liam Delap’s strength
Liam Delap, newly signed from Ipswich for a reported £30 million, is regarded as one of England’s most promising young centre-forwards. Known for his raw physicality, blistering pace, and clinical finishing, Delap is a classic No. 9 with a modern edge. His time under Maresca at Manchester City’s academy has also given him a tactical maturity that belies his age. Last season in the Premier League, Delap overperformed his expected goals (xG), netting 12 times from an xG of just 7.95—placing him among the top overperformers in the league. He also impressed with his work rate, recording over 900 pressures and winning more than 400 duels, evidence of his tireless pressing game and commitment to team shape.
Nicola Jakson’s review
Nicolas Jackson, on the other hand, is no newcomer. Since arriving from Villarreal in 2023, he has grown into the Chelsea system. His movement off the ball, ability to link play, and pressing instinct have become central to Chelsea’s transitional play. Last season, Jackson improved drastically in front of goal, raising his shot conversion rate to 25% and big-chance conversion to 58%—a significant jump from his debut year.
He combines pace with intelligence, and while he’s not as physically dominant as Delap, his finesse in buildup play and positional awareness make him a valuable asset, especially in games that require more fluid attacking patterns.
Still, both players have areas for improvement. Delap, for all his intensity, sometimes holds onto the ball too long and struggles with quick decision-making in tight spaces. He can also be overly aggressive, as seen in his 12 yellow cards last season—a trait Maresca may want to refine.
His hold-up play, though powerful, is often simple and lacks the creative flair Jackson offers. Jackson, by contrast, needs to improve his consistency. While his finishing has improved, he occasionally misses easy chances and could become more unpredictable with his runs in the box. He also lacks Delap’s imposing physical presence, which can be a liability against teams that pack the box.
From a tactical standpoint, Maresca may find both players useful in different contexts. Jackson’s versatility and fluid link-up play make him ideal for matches where Chelsea needs to press high, maintain tempo, and exploit space in transition.
Against low blocks or more physical opposition, Delap’s directness and aerial threat could be the better fit. Interestingly, Delap’s familiarity with Maresca’s tactical setup from their time together at City’s youth level gives him an edge in terms of system adaptation.
In terms of readiness, Jackson currently holds the edge due to his Premier League experience and proven chemistry with Chelsea’s current attackers. However, Delap’s potential ceiling is higher.
If he continues his trajectory, refining his technical game and maturing emotionally, he could become Chelsea’s long-term No. 9 solution—a modern-day Drogba figure in the making.
Ultimately, Chelsea’s attacking strategy this season shouldn’t boil down to choosing between the two. Instead, Maresca should look to leverage the strengths of both. Jackson offers guile, movement, and connection play; Delap brings power, urgency, and finishing. Used wisely, they can form a dynamic rotation—one that keeps opponents guessing and gives Chelsea the offensive variety needed to challenge on all fronts.
What next for Chelsea?
Chelsea fans can take comfort in the fact that the club isn’t lacking firepower—it’s now about strategic deployment. Jackson is primed to start strong, but Delap is the wild card who could evolve into a game-changer. Either way, the battle for the No. 9 shirt promises to be one of the most exciting storylines of Chelsea’s 2025/26 campaign.