Tore Andre Flo: Liam Delap brings something different to Nicolas Jackson (Interview for NewBettingSites.uk)

Former Chelsea striker Tore Andre Flo has told NewBettingSites.uk that he believes Liam Delap will be a success at Stamford Bridge.

The ex-Blues forward discussed the future of Enzo Maresca’s front line, stating that he believes competition between Delap and Nicolas Jackson for the starting striker spot will be good for both players.

Speaking to NewBettingSites.uk, Flo said: “I definitely think Liam Delap can have a successful career at Chelsea. He is a little bit different to the player they already have up front, Nicolas Jackson.

“Jackson is still improving and I do think he has been getting better, but we all knew that Chelsea would be signing another striker this summer. It is a smart move to bring in another striker who has different profile to Jackson.

“Jackson is more of a runner who will stretch the defence and put in a lot of work off the ball. Delap is also quick, but he seems like the type of striker who can spend more time in the box and be in the right place at the right time to finish chances.

“When Jackson is good, he’s very good, but there have been periods in his time at Chelsea where his form has dipped. Enzo Maresca hasn’t been able to take him out in those moments because he hasn’t really had another option, but now he can bring in Delap.

“It will be good for Maresca to have more options up front so he can change things on a more regular basis, even during the game. The competition for the starting striker spot will also be good for both of them. Maresca will use the Club World Cup and pre-season to decide who is going to be his first choice next season. You need two good strikers if you want to fight for the Premier League title, now Chelsea have that.”

Delap reminds me of Vardy

Ex-Chelsea striker Flo singled out Jamie Vardy as the forward who Delap most reminds him of, likening his speed and ability to finish chances when the ball breaks free in the box to the Premier League winner.

“Delap is very quick and he is the type of striker to find himself in the right place at the right time and put chances away,” said Flo. “He can make smart movement, be sharp when the ball breaks free in the box and score a lot of goals.

“He could be similar to Jamie Vardy – that is the first player who pops into my head when I try to compare him to some of the Premier League’s great strikers. I’m sure Chelsea fans will be happy if he scores at the same rate as Vardy!”

Chelsea happy with what they have in defence

Flo explained that although he thought Chelsea may try to sign a central defender this summer, their defensive performances towards the end of last season may have convinced the club that they do not need to make any additions in that area.

“It looks like Chelsea are trying to sign a goalkeeper and I also thought they may try to sign a central defender this summer,” he said. “A few weeks ago, everyone thought Chelsea would be trying to sign a new centre back, but they actually performed really well in that area towards the end of the season.

“They have Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo in that position – all of them performed really well towards the end of the season and helped Chelsea to finish in the top four and win the Conference League. Maybe the club have decided that they’re happy enough with what they have.”