Roy Keane, a figure synonymous with Manchester United’s fierce competitiveness, hasn’t shied away from a critical assessment of Chelsea’s young forward, Liam Delap. While acknowledging Delap’s youth, Keane bluntly stated that simply “being a handful” isn’t enough to thrive in the Premier League.
Keane’s former teammate, Gary Neville, echoed this sentiment, recalling pre-season doubts about Delap’s impact at Chelsea. Despite a single goal in seventeen league appearances – a period also impacted by injury – Neville suggested a cautious approach to evaluating the player’s potential.
The discussion surrounding Delap intensified following Chelsea’s frustrating 2-2 draw with Leeds United. Liam Rosenior, the manager of Hull City, lamented key moments that cost Chelsea the victory, highlighting the fine margins at the highest level of the game.
Rosenior briefly noted a fleeting glimpse of Delap’s promise, recalling a game where the young player looked genuinely threatening. However, a tactical experiment – deploying Delap on the right wing against Arsenal – was deemed ineffective, a position where scoring opportunities were scarce.
Former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy proposed a potential solution: a loan spell. Cundy believes Delap needs consistent, regular game time to fully develop, suggesting his current situation at Stamford Bridge isn’t providing that crucial opportunity.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s pursuit of attacking talent led them to Benjamin Sesko, secured from RB Leipzig for a substantial £74 million. Sesko’s initial struggles – just two goals in the first half of the season – raised questions about the investment.
However, a change in management, with the arrival of Michael Carrick, sparked a remarkable turnaround. Sesko has since found the net five times in just six games, culminating in a dramatic injury-time equaliser against West Ham, extending United’s unbeaten run.
Sesko’s late goal against West Ham underscored a revitalized Manchester United, a team finding form under new leadership. The contrast between Delap’s uncertain path and Sesko’s blossoming career highlights the unpredictable nature of player development in the Premier League.
