Liam Delap: Ipswich striker’s rise from goal-shy loan spells to England contention
Delap is enjoying more fun in the Second Division in 2023-24, scoring eight goals in 32 games for Hull City, a feat he also enjoyed at Stoke City and Preston North End. twice the total number of goals scored.
Despite missing three and a half months from January to April due to a knee injury.
In December, before the injury, Hull City manager Liam Roneyall described him as “a very, very special talent”.
“He can play anywhere on the pitch, he’s just that good. He’s a natural No. 9. He’s a No. 9 with a lot of technical and physical ability and speed,” Rognior said.
“It’s scary, his potential and ability.”
Delap returned to Manchester City to recuperate from injury and BBC pundit Stephen Houghton, then captain of the club’s Women’s Super League team, met him and was impressed.
“My time watching him up close was more during rehab. That’s when you see a guy and think they have the mentality and drive to achieve a certain goal. From what I’ve seen, he definitely has that. Ability,” Horton said.
“He was outstanding against Hull City and played really well. He was frustrated.
“Everyone at City knew he had potential, just because of his physique. He was always a different striker to the rest of City. He just had a presence and was always better than everyone.
“When he came back for rehab, Liam was a beast from a physical point of view.
“He’s having a great season right now, and I don’t think that’s a coincidence, seeing him work day in and day out.”
When Delap returned to Hull City, there were just five games left in the season. He played in all of those games and scored in a 3-3 draw with Ipswich Town to help the club narrowly miss out on the play-offs.
Hull City are interested in signing him permanently but the Premier League is calling.
