Despite a string of setbacks, the Manchester City striker has proven his worth, but he faces a critical decision this summer.
Liam Delap, a Manchester City striker, had a memorable 2020/21 season.
That season, the 19-year-old scored 30 goals, 24 of which came in Premier League 2, and he even scored on his senior debut in the Carabao Cup. He was on his way to breaking into Pep Guardiola’s squad when he was injured.
Delap missed the first few games of the season due to an ankle injury, then suffered another setback after returning in September. He played for half of his team’s EFL Trophy match against Rotherham in October before the medical team decided to change their strategy.
They decided it would be best to give his injury time to heal properly in order to avoid long-term damage. He didn’t return until February, in the end.
However, the season was not lost. He appeared in the 4-0 win over Norwich and the 5-0 away win over Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League, his first appearance in the competition. Delap scored eight goals in ten Premier League 2 games, including seven in his last five, as the Under-23s won the league. His talent is obvious.
However, the arrival of Julian Alvarez from River Plate this summer means he must make a decision. This season, the January signing has 14 goals in 17 games, six of which have come in a single game.
Erling Haaland will undoubtedly be City’s first-choice striker next season, which means Alvarez will have to play backup alongside Gabriel Jesus if both remain at the Etihad. Delap will undoubtedly be given limited playing time with the senior squad. It means he must choose between remaining in the academy and competing for a senior spot and securing a move elsewhere, whether permanent or temporary.
At such a young age, it may be irresponsible to abandon Etihad. However, a lack of consistent football may cause him to lag behind his peers.
During the first half of the season, he watched as Cole Palmer played first-team minutes and Taylor Harwood-Bellis gained Championship experience at Stoke. The good news is that he would have plenty of loan switchers. The Potters, a club where father Rory is revered, have always piqued his interest.
Meanwhile, Burnley could be a viable option, particularly if Vincent Kompany is appointed manager. Both are positive moves that would allow him to play more first-team minutes.
Delap requires more than the 25 minutes he was given this campaign to advance. Pre-season will be a critical juncture for the player, who is gifted and deserves to be a first-team regular at a prestigious club. Only he can decide which path to take.
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