Sheffield United must sign striker with ‘frightening’ potential this summer – Opinion

Liam Delap has ‘scary’ potential.

There have been reports suggesting Manchester City would be willing to accept a £10million bid this summer, which for his potential is a steal.

Hull City manager Liam Rosenior was quoted at the start of the previous season describing Delap as a player with frightening potential.

“He’s getting better and better in his time with us and will be a big threat for us for the rest of the season.

“He can play anywhere on the pitch, he’s that good. Naturally, it’s number nine. He is the number nine with a lot of technical and physical ability and speed.

“He’s scary, his potential and his ability and I hope I get the chance to work with him a lot more than the next few months,” via Hull Live.

His potential is truly frightening and you know there is a top player in them when he was touted as a potential replacement for Sergio Aguero at the tender age of 17.

Liam Delap’s stats and style of play

What I find unique about Liam Delap is that he cuts the figure of a traditional English target man who stands at over 6ft and looks very strong. But he is much more than that.

The City Academy product can play as a number nine, number ten and wide forward thanks to his excellent ball control and dribbling ability.

Although Delap doesn’t have the best finishing stats, it can be worked on. According to FBref, Delap ranked in the 43rd percentile for non-penalty goals compared to other strikers in the league last season. And his expected goal ranking was also low: 21st.

On the other hand, the 21-year-old ranks in the 90th percentile for shot-making actions, highlighting that he really has a big impact on games even if he doesn’t score.

Additionally, Delap ranks in the 99th percentile in progressive carries and the 98th percentile in successful takedowns.

Describing Delap’s style of play would be impossible because there aren’t many strikers like him in the English game. As I alluded to earlier: he is very unique.

For a big physical presence, he has understated quickness, not just off the ball but with the ball at his feet. He can catch defenders, beat them and evade their tackles with great footwork and control.

But the one thing that stands out for me is his movement and vision of the game and I hope we can see that at Bramall Lane next season.