Liam Delap can become ‘an important player for England’ – Enzo Maresca

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca believes Ipswich striker Liam Delap, who trained at Manchester City’s academy, can become “England’s biggest player”.

The 21-year-old has been one of the Tractor Boys’ most consistent players in the Premier League since returning, scoring six goals in his first season in the top flight.

Delap, the son of former Premier League midfielder Rory Delap, joined Ipswich on a permanent summer transfer from Manchester City’s academy. it is worth a lot at £20m.

“Liam is a fantastic player for his age,” said Maresca. “I think he spent one year together and scored (about) 22 to 24 goals. He is a very good striker.

“England has many good players, many good strikers (but) he works on the ball and on the ball, he understands the game and can score goals. I think he is the biggest player in England.”

Delap scored 35 goals in 36 games for City’s under-21s and previously had loan spells at Championship sides Stoke City, North End Preston and Hull City, before opting to leave City in the summer to earn first-team football.

He is yet to make his national team debut but has played 10 times for England under-21s, scoring twice after previously being featured at every national age level.

Tractor Boys, who sit 19th in the Premier League and are three points clear, host Chelsea on Monday.