Everton have enjoyed a promising season under David Moyes at their new stadium. However, it could have been even better if they had a striker such as Liam Delap.
Whilst Everton have Thierno Barry and Beto, a proven goalscorer has been missing in their ranks. Barry has scored six goals in 32 Premier League games this season, without making an assist. Beto has found the back of the net seven times and registered just one assist in the same number of games this campaign.
The Toffees are currently eighth in the Premier League and have an outside chance of qualifying for Europe. However, they could reach another level with Delap in their ranks.
There was always going to be pressure on the striker as he is the son of the Premier League cult hero Rory Delap. This is despite them being two very different players, Rory was a midfielder, notably with Stoke City, who was known for his exceptionally long throw-ins, whilst Liam is a striker.
Liam Delap's career has stalled since he joined Chelsea
The younger Delap came through the ranks at Manchester City and gained experience in the Championship with loan spells at Stoke, Preston North End, and Hull City. He then joined Ipswich Town permanently and scored 12 goals, with two assists in 37 Premier League games. This is impressive form for someone in a team that got relegated from the division.
It would have been expected that Delap could kick on from this at a better club in the Premier League. However, he has been used mostly as a substitute at Chelsea. This has meant that he has found the back of the net just once, with one assist in 23 Premier League games.
Clearly, Delap needs to join a club where he will play regularly, and he has been linked with Everton as well as Newcastle United. He should start at Everton ahead of Beto and Barry. However, game time at Newcastle could be limited as they already have Nick Woltemade. Everton would also appear to be more of an attractive option than the Magpies right now, as Eddie Howe's side is as low as 14th in the league.
Delap is only 23, and the move to Chelsea appears to have come too early. He has proved himself in the Premier League at Ipswich and now needs to kick on at a club where he can play regularly.