Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has stirred some debate by suggesting that despite Liam Delap’s remarkable debut in the Premier League, there is still significant potential for growth in the new striker.
The £15m summer acquisition from Manchester City has made an immediate impact, showcasing his abilities in Ipswich Town’s opening three matches.
Delap’s performances have been noteworthy, particularly highlighted by a spectacular long-range goal and a man-of-the-match display in the 1-1 draw against Fulham.
His powerful strike, which followed an exhilarating and relentless forward run, sent Portman Road into a frenzy, demonstrating his ability to electrify the crowd.
McKenna’s comments underscore that while Delap’s start has been impressive, there is more to come from him as he continues to develop and adapt to the Premier League.
This perspective invites both excitement and scrutiny, as fans and critics alike anticipate how Delap will evolve in the coming matches.
“It was a great moment wasn’t it?” smiled McKenna. “It’s his first Premier League goal and the club’s first Premier League goal at Portman Road for 22 years – and what a goal it was.
“I enjoyed his all round performance again. He’s getting better, he’s getting stronger, he’s learning and he’s still got great growth to come.
“Look at the young players we had on the pitch today. Him at 21 leading the line for a Premier League club, Omari (Hutchinson) beside him at 20 years old, Leif (Davis), Jacob (Greaves)…
“It’s a really, good thing for the football club to have that players that young performing in the Premier League as they are.”
Delap has also impressed his new team-mates, with stalwart centre-back Luke Woolfenden joining McKenna in praising him in the wake of Saturday’s heartening draw.
“He’s been unbelievable since he’s come in,” the defender said about his new team-mate.
“He’s shown real quality on the ball, as well as his pace and power up there leading the line.
“When he hits it, it stays hit. I’ve never seen a kid hit a ball that hard.
“He’s got a hell of a strike on him and I’m delighted that he’s scored his first goal.”
