Liam Delap may only be a few games into his Chelsea career, but he’s already catching the attention of football legends.

Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer has delivered a glowing early verdict on the young striker’s performances, offering words of encouragement and a hint of expectation for what’s to come.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer reflected on Delap’s transition to Stamford Bridge and his immediate impact.

“Once you go to a new club, the sooner you can get a goal, the better,” Shearer said, referencing the boost Delap’s first strike in Chelsea blue will give him.

And it wasn’t just about the goal – it was the manner in which Delap delivered it that impressed the former Newcastle man.

He went on: “Not that he has shown any nerves because I think he can be really pleased with the way he’s started his Chelsea career. He’s looked confident and the goal he took was very, very well taken, full of belief.”

Shearer emphasised that Delap’s composure and finishing were signs of a player ready to seize his opportunity.

He stated: “There were no nerves whatsoever so that should do him the world of good going forward.”

The 22-year-old striker, who joined Chelsea this summer, is expected to get ample game time in the early part of the season – helped in part by the suspension of first-choice forward Nicolas Jackson, who picked up red cards in both the Premier League and the Club World Cup.
That window could prove crucial in establishing Delap’s place in Enzo Maresca’s plans. And Shearer, while cautious not to overhype the youngster, made it clear he remains a firm believer in Delap’s potential.

Shearer concluded: “I haven’t changed my mind on him. I like him, I still think he’s rough around the edges a little bit, but he’s only going to get better.

“Playing at that club and the chances he should get, I have high hopes for him going forward.”

If Delap continues to show confidence and sharp finishing – and if he refines those “rough edges” – he could become one of the surprises of the season.
One thing’s clear: with his first goal under his belt, Delap has laid the foundation. Now, it’s up to him to build.