Liam Delap was once a master of long throw-ins like his father, but was banned during his childhood playing days to complaints from parents.
Delap’s rise from academy star at Manchester City to leading striker at Ipswich has been nothing short of remarkable, but the young forward was once an expert at long throw-ins like his father Rory, who was famous at Stoke for his trademark move. However, Delap quit the tactic as a child after complaints from other parents that it ruined the game.
Since that moment, he has focused his efforts on scoring goals rather than causing chaos with his javelin-like throws.
For the early part of his career, Delap was often known as Rory’s son – he is a Premier League legend after all.
But since joining Ipswich in the summer, he has created his own legacy as the Tractor Boys seek to maintain their status in the top flight.
He made just two appearances in City’s senior team between 2020-2022 before flying the nest but is now drawing interest from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United amid an impressive campaign under Kieran McKenna.
Delap needs to score 20 more Premier League goals to match his father’s total tally.
Rory netted 28 times during his time at Stoke and Sunderland. Liam already has eight for Ipswich this term, but that sum will likely increase before the end of the season.
Things are only looking up for the 21-year-old. He has been backed by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca for an England call-up under Thomas Tuchel and is also being tipped as Harry Kane’s heir in the Three Lions squad.