New Chelsea signing Liam Delap has made a big step up after joining the Blues from Ipswich Town.
Chelsea won a European trophy last month following their 4-1 victory against Real Betis in the Conference League final, while Ipswich were relegated to the Championship.
Ultimately, at Stamford Bridge, expectations are going to be quite different for Delap, who has already been impressed with what he has seen in Chelsea training.
When Delap spoke about his first few training sessions at Chelsea, the striker claimed that the quality had been “so high”.
Reece James ensuring Liam Delap understands the standards at Chelsea
Reece James is keen to help Delap adapt, but the defender is also trying to make it clear to the 22-year-old and Chelsea’s other new signings that they need to understand the high demands at the club.
As part of Chelsea’s Club World Cup diary series, James told Chelsea’s official website: “The new boys with us are high quality players and have got straight up to speed. Some know a few of the lads from previous clubs, which has helped them settle. It’s also my role as captain to ensure they adapt and understand the demands of Chelsea.”
Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr are two other players who will also need to be given time to settle. And Enzo Maresca has made it clear that he will give them just that.
When Maresca spoke about Essugo and Sarr in an interview, he said: “Will need time: they are both born in 2005, we will have to understand when they will be ready but in perspective they are very strong players.”
However, both youngsters could make their Chelsea debuts when the Blues take on Los Angeles FC in the Club World Cup on Monday evening.
Why Reece James was a big talking point in recent England game
Maresca will have to manage James’ minutes at the Club World Cup. The right-back has not had much rest since the conclusion of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign after playing in the Conference League final and England’s World Cup qualifier.
James started in the Three Lions’ 1-0 win against Andorra and played the full 90 minutes. Thomas Tuchel used James at left-back that day, and the English media had a lot to say about that experiment after the game.
Last season, James also played in midfield, with Maresca not afraid to shift the 25-year-old around either.
