Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has warned incoming Chelsea striker Liam Delap to brace himself for the huge challenge that comes with donning the number nine jersey.
Recall that the 22-year-old is nearing a high-profile summer move to the Stamford Bridge outfit, with reports suggesting the player is eager to link up with Enzo Fernandez.
Petit, who praised Delap’s skills and goal-scoring prowess at Ipswich, however, told the youngster that the Chelsea’s number 9 jersey has been a curse for so many players.
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“Delap has quality. I think he has done a great job at Ipswich, but it’s a huge step,” Petit told PokerStrategy.
“He has a really bright future, and I have respect for him, but going from Ipswich to Chelsea is huge in terms of expectation and pressure.
“That number nine position at Chelsea has been a curse for so many players. Chelsea need a striker who is going to score 25 goals a season. Will Delap give you that? I’m not so sure.”
