Chelsea news: How does Delap compare to Jackson?

Chelsea’s acquisition of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town signals more than just another youth-focused signing; it marks a statement of intent. The highly-rated forward arrives at Stamford Bridge not to warm the bench, but to stake his claim as the spearhead of a new attacking era.

Meanwhile, the jury remains out on Nicolas Jackson. Despite flashes of promise, the Senegalese international has yet to fully convince the Chelsea faithful that he can lead the line for a club with ambitions of challenging for the Premier League and making a serious return to the Champions League elite.

So, how do the two strikers stack up? What does Delap offer that Jackson might lack, and vice versa? Let’s take a closer look at how these two frontmen compare as Chelsea shapes their forward line for next season.

While Jackson edges Delap slightly in height, it’s the England Under-21 international who holds a clear advantage in the air. Delap’s aerial prowess became particularly evident during his time at Ipswich Town – a side that operated with the least possession in the Premier League.

In such a system, Delap’s role was pivotal. He wasn’t just a goal threat; he was a release valve. His ability to hold up the ball under pressure gave Ipswich’s defence much-needed breathing room, while his strength and timing in the air made him a menace for opposition backlines. Whether contesting long balls or attacking crosses, Delap brought a physical edge that added structure and bite to Ipswich’s forward play – qualities Chelsea may find invaluable.

Then there is the simple fact that Delap (12) scored more goals in the league than Jackson (10). By no means are either of these numbers outstanding, but this was the Englishman’s debut season in the top-flight division as a starting forward, and he played for a side that was relegated and had the third-worst attack in the league.

Delap’s shooting accuracy, excluding blocks, is at 60.38% whilst Jackson is at 54.69% for the same category. Delap is also better at dribbling past players. The former Manchester City youth academy player completed almost twice as many dribbles per 90 as Jackson does.

Aesthetically and statistically, Delap draws inevitable comparisons to a certain Chelsea legend. Dare it be said: there are shades of Didier Drogba in his game. Like Drogba, Delap boasts a towering presence, the physicality to lead the line on his own, and the raw power to bully defenders. He’s also deceptively quick, capable of stretching defences and creating chaos in transition. While matching Drogba’s legacy is a nigh-on impossible task, the early signs suggest Delap shares more than just a few traits with the iconic No.11.

There’s a new striker at Stamford Bridge and his stats show he’s not there to make up the numbers.