Liam Delap: The style of play of the New Chelsea striker suggests that the style of play of the old one could be his advantage over Nicolas Jackson

Liam Delap suggested that his “old school” physique could give him an advantage in his battle for playing time with Nicolas Jackson.

Delap joined Chelsea from Ipswich earlier this month in an agreement of 30 million pounds sterling. His arrival marks the most important position competition that Jackson has been faced since he moved west of London from Villareal in 2023.

The couple is ready to fight for the minutes on the field this season, and Jackson gave his opposite number an early advantage in the race, winning a suspension of a match after being sent for a daring challenge during the defeat of the 3-1 club World Cup last week against Flamengo. Since then, he apologized for the tackle.

Delap is now ratings to start in the last Chelsea group phase game against ES Tunis, but was suspected of overvaluing the importance of the incident.

“I was right in front of that when it happened. It was so unlucky,” he said to defend Jackson. “He obviously did not want to do so. These things happen in football and I’m sure he’ll get over it.

However, Delap suggested that competition between him and Jackson may have put pressure on the Senegalese to make a mistake.

He continued: “With the size of the club, there will always be competition and I think the players thrive from this competition. You will work a little louder and try to compete.

“It’s Chelsea, it’s going to be difficult and it’s going to be competitive. And that’s what you enjoy. “

He also undertook to keep his head this season despite a more physical style of play, which saw him last year win the most joint yellow cards in the Premier League (12).

“Everyone plays a little close to the edge. You must be aggressive, on the front foot.

“I have always had this advantage and I will not change my state of mind. You just have to make sure you are on the right side of the edge.

“I really love the aggressive side and the competitive nature of sport. It sometimes has to be checked, but it is my game in the end.

“But it’s not something that worries me. I think I can control my emotions when I need it. Maybe I’m a bit of the old school, but it’s the way I play and I don’t want to change it.”