Reports have claimed that Chelsea are considering signing a new striker during the January transfer window.
The name who seems to be at the front of the queue is Liam Delap, who put in one of his best performances of the season recently against the Blues in Ipswich’s 2-0 win.
Enzo Maresca is a big fan of Delap, and similarly to the Cole Palmer situation he has experience working alongside him from their time together at Manchester City.
Liam Delap of Ipswich Town scores his team's first goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Chelsea F...
Liam Delap would significantly bolster Chelsea’s aerial ability
The Blues have spent the majority of this season starting with Nicolas Jackson in the striker role, and he has enjoyed a prolific campaign in front of goal.
However, there have been situations where the Blues have been crying out for a different option, in particular one who can dominate aerially.
This has not been the case in the rare occurrences where Christopher Nkunku has been starting up front, and there are no guarantees that he is still at the club when the January window comes to a close.
Jackson is notably poor at winning aerial duels, a statistic where Delap actually sits amongst the top Premier League strikers.
Aerial record 24/25 Liam Delap Nicolas Jackson
Aerial Duels won 32 10
Aeriel Duels winning % 47.8 29.4
While this will no doubt play it’s part in regular play, it is a statistic which Chelsea would be able to expose when it comes to putting crosses into the penalty area.ewfq
Chelsea one of the worst clubs at scoring from crosses in Premier League
Chelsea have attempted 324 crosses already this season, after putting in just 558 last campaign, the third lowest of any club and only ahead of relegated Burnley and Sheffield United.
However, they sit very low in the amount that are completed, with just 20%, and a total of four headers scored in the league this season.
The only cross the Blues have scored from aerially from open play from this season was converted by Marc Cucurella.
While Delap is yet to score with a header this season, his aerial presence would present great opportunities for creative stars such as Palmer and Jadon Sancho to provide for him.
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