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Why Liverpool Shouldn’t Sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town

The idea of Liverpool signing Liam Delap from Ipswich Town has been floated recently, but the reality is that this transfer would make little sense for Arne Slot’s system at Anfield. On a recent episode of Transfer Market Metrics from Anfield Index, Dr Phil Barter joined Dave Davis to discuss why the young striker might not fit the bill for the Reds.

Delap’s Lack of Suitability for Liverpool

Dr Phil Barter, affectionately known as “Barts”, gave a comprehensive breakdown of Delap’s statistics and performances. Barts began by noting that Delap’s numbers, although not disastrous, fall significantly short of what Liverpool demands from their forwards. He said, “It’s not a profile I’d be signing up for… Yeah, not for me this one, I’m afraid, Dave. Not for me.”

Liam Delap has been described as a physical forward, but his key metrics raise eyebrows. Delap managed 10 goals this season in what Barts bluntly termed “a horrendous Ipswich team” and while this output might look acceptable on the surface, it doesn’t align with Liverpool’s expectations. Delap’s expected goals and assists per 90 minutes are considerably lower than those of current Liverpool forwards. In fact, his non-penalty goals per 90 is in the 33rd percentile among forwards, which Barts described as “quite low from a forward”.

Lack of Versatility and Pressing Ability

One major issue discussed was Delap’s ability to press and involve himself in play – fundamental aspects of Arne Slot’s Liverpool. Barts said, “His defensive game isn’t really the same type as what we would expect… He’s below 30% on all of the elements we would look for.” Liverpool’s pressing from the front is a cornerstone of their strategy, and Delap simply does not fit that mould.

Photo: IMAGO

Furthermore, his pass completion rate of just 62.9% is alarmingly low for a forward, especially considering that Liverpool expects even their strikers to contribute significantly to build-up play. This figure places him in the 40th percentile for forwards – a number that Barts found particularly concerning. He remarked, “That’s a low amount… even forward would accept low 70s, but this is 62.9.”

Lack of Adaptability to Liverpool’s Style

The podcast also delved into how Delap’s style of play is at odds with Liverpool’s fluid, dynamic attacking patterns. Dave Davis highlighted how some have drawn comparisons between Delap and Didier Drogba due to his physical presence and ability to hold up the ball. However, Barts quickly dismissed this notion, saying, “That’s a big stretch… We don’t play with that big target man, really, do we?”

Liverpool’s forwards are typically expected to drop deep, link up play, and make dynamic runs behind the defensive line. Barts observed that Delap doesn’t naturally fit into this style, noting, “We play with our players on the half turn, running into space or dropping deep and playing around.”

Moreover, even in situations where Ipswich had plenty of the ball, Delap still struggled to make a meaningful impact. As Barts explained, “He’s not really working it to it… He’s not involved in play that much.” Liverpool’s build-up play demands a level of involvement that Delap has not demonstrated at Ipswich.

The Verdict: No Place for Delap at Liverpool

In conclusion, the numbers and the eye test both suggest that Liam Delap is not suitable for Liverpool. Barts succinctly summarised his position by stating, “If Liam Delap even comes close to being linked with a serious move to Liverpool, me and Barts will be stumped.” The podcast made it abundantly clear that the young striker’s attributes simply do not align with Liverpool’s tactical philosophy under Arne Slot.

While there might be potential in Delap to develop into a competent forward for a more direct or physical team, Liverpool’s system requires more versatility, creativity, and pressing ability from their attackers. As it stands, Liverpool should steer clear of making a move for Liam Delap.