After moving to Portman Road last summer, Liam Delap, a striker for the town, claims he has always believed he can score goals in the Premier League.
After spending the previous season on loan at Championship team Hull City, Delap joined the Blues as their fourth summer acquisition in July, having joined from reigning champions Manchester City for an initial £15 million.
With nine goals and two assists in his 23 Premier League games so far this season, the forward, who had only made two substitute appearances before, has risen to the level.
Delap was eager to thank his teammates and manager Kieran McKenna for their contributions to his success in Suffolk thus far, despite his stellar scoring record.
“For me, it’s gone really well,” he remarked. “I had faith and confidence in my ability to score at the beginning of the season, and I owe the manager and the boys a debt of gratitude for helping me get better every training day.
“Obviously, reaching nine goals is a personal accomplishment, but I couldn’t have done it without the support of my teammates.”
“I thought I knew I could perform, and the quality was there.” To demonstrate their faith in me, the boys and the management have also helped.
“I knew that coming here would be beneficial, and I’ve probably been pleasantly surprised by how content and enjoying I am right now.
“It’s up to me, depending on the performance that you put in,” the coach stated. We have two talented strikers, Ali [Al-Hamadi] and George [Hirst], so competition is always beneficial. I wish to be able to continue playing as long as I’m performing well.
Delap had three loan stints away from the Etihad Stadium to obtain Championship experience while still a young player in the Man City system, with differing degrees of success.
He had brief stints at Preston North End and Stoke City before joining Hull last season, scoring just four goals each time. However, he claims he had no timeframe in mind to advance to the Premier League as a regular starter.
He remarked, “I’m not sure about this year.” “I’ve always believed in my ability to perform, and I believe that anyone with quality can succeed given the correct conditions.”
“It’s simply a testament to everyone present and to everyone who has assisted me in making my performances as strong as possible.
When I was younger, I understood how important it is to go play regular men’s football. Everybody’s trip is unique, but mine taught me a lot.
He remarked, “I’m not sure about this year.” “I’ve always believed in my ability to perform, and I believe that anyone with quality can succeed given the correct conditions.”
“It’s simply a testament to everyone present and to everyone who has assisted me in making my performances as strong as possible.
When I was younger, I understood how important it is to go play regular men’s football. Everybody’s trip is unique, but mine taught me a lot.
“The first two [loans] didn’t work out, but I think I learnt more from those two than from the ones that went smoothly. For a younger player, it’s a fantastic experience that enhances maturity and game comprehension.
The Town attacker has a reputation for being physically aggressive, and the opposition frequently witnesses him charging into defenders.
“The atmosphere here is really intense, and all the boys buy into that,” he remarked. When I first arrived, the gaffer made it apparent to me that everyone competes and that daily training is at the highest level. Everyone competes every day in training, and occasionally things may get competitive. It’s not just me.
“I think it went too far when I was younger, and I’ve tried to help and learn from it since I got into a lot of trouble when I was younger.
I am now beginning to comprehend the difference between good and wrong, as well as between too much and not enough.
Delap responded, “The boss is so detailed on the out of possession side of things,” when asked what areas of his game he believes he can still work on. I had an idea of it before I came here, but I doubt I was as conscious of it as he wanted me to be. Throughout the season, he and the entire crew have assisted me with it, and I feel like I’m beginning to get better at it.
“I definitely think I need to work on headed goals, depending on how many balls are going into the box.”
When questioned about his childhood idols, Delap, who just turned 22, mentioned two people in particular.
He declared, “It was always Cristiano [Ronaldo].” “As a little boy, I looked up to him, and I was completely absorbed in him as I grew up. Harry Kane is a perfect example of what he has accomplished in recent years.
“Being anything other than a striker was not the right fit for me because I’ve always believed that I love scoring goals and the feeling that comes with doing so.”
It’s safe to assume that Delap has a lot of travel experience, which he says has helped him adapt to different situations wherever he travels. He was born in Winchester when his father, Rory, was playing for Southampton.
“I’ve lived in a lot of different places, so it probably helped me when it did get to the point where I was going out on my own,” he added.
“It probably helped me since it is incredibly crucial, so when I’m older and moving on my own, I don’t feel uneasy or unwanted. Being so accustomed to a place can make you unhappy if you’re not pleased there. Moving around has always been acceptable to me, and I’m fine with that.
He went on to say of the Portman Road crowd: “It’s amazing.” There is such a unique atmosphere in the town and among all those associated with the club.
“The boys have talked about the previous seasons as well, but I’m sad that I only got it this season. The ambiance, the sound, and the sensation are simply amazing.
Delap’s excellent play in the first half of the season sparked rumors about his future in January, with a number of teams, including Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Juventus, being mentioned as possible suitors.
With the Town player dismissing rumors of a departure and concentrating on his own exploits at the Blues, it always seems likely that Delap would remain at Portman Road.
“I try to avoid it, and those around me have tried to tell me to just stay away from it,” he stated.
Just concentrating on what I have to do and what I want to accomplish—playing football here—is something I’m really good at. The most important thing is that I like performing every week and I’m having a great time here.
“Everyone is helpful, but I just concentrate on my work here and don’t really look at things like that.
It’s a part of who we are as football players. It’s crucial that I concentrate on where I am right now.
I’m really content here, having a great time, and I really look forward to playing football. I just concentrate on the next game and take each one as it comes.
“As gamers and humans, we are aware that there is noise. We remain focused on ourselves and our goals even if we play poorly and people criticize us for not doing well or achieving the desired outcomes.
Given that Delap is a widely discussed prospect for the senior squad, his performance has also opened the way to possible international honors.
Kane and Ollie Watkins will be the first two strikers on the list when new manager Thomas Tuchel names his first Three Lions squad next month, but a third player could be up for grabs.
Delap stated: “You always think about that and always have dreams and goals. Looking ahead, that is a dream of mine to play for my country.
I’m just trying to focus on my performances and that’s for them to decide. If it doesn’t come I can keep my head down and keep working hard, but if it does come then it’s a real proud moment.
All I can do now is keep putting in the performances.”
Being around by elite players in the Premier League is a positive experience. I’m just trying to improve and concentrating on each game.
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