Ahead of Ipswich Town's Premier League clash against Brighton on Thursday, both manager Kieran McKenna and Brighton's coach Fabian Hurzeler have expressed admiration for Ipswich forward Liam Delap. The 21-year-old striker, who joined Ipswich Town from Manchester City during the summer transfer window, has been a standout performer for the newly-promoted club in their first season back in the top-flight. Delap has already made a significant impact, contributing with two goals and an assist in recent matches against Chelsea and Fulham, demonstrating his value to the squad.
Kieran McKenna, who has overseen Ipswich's promising start to the season, shared his thoughts on Delap's impressive progression since joining the club. McKenna emphasized the rapid development Delap has shown, particularly in the last 18 months. He fondly recalled facing Delap at Portman Road when the young striker was playing as a right-winger, using his pace to outpace defenders. Since then, McKenna noted how Delap has worked hard to refine his back-to-goal play and physical presence, evolving into a more complete forward. McKenna also praised Delap's ability to absorb coaching advice and implement it effectively on the field. "He takes on information well and applies things well," McKenna commented, noting that Delap’s willingness to engage in discussions to improve his game has been a key factor in his development.
On the other hand, Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton's manager, also spoke highly of Delap’s abilities. Hurzeler, who has followed Delap's progress since his time at St. Pauli, where Delap was part of Manchester City’s youth setup, described the Ipswich forward as “the whole package.” Hurzeler acknowledged Delap’s impressive performances for someone so young and recognized the talent he possesses, particularly in a Premier League environment. This admiration from Hurzeler is indicative of Delap's growing reputation as one of the standout young talents in English football.
Brighton, however, may have concerns of their own ahead of the upcoming match. The Seagulls are potentially set to miss the services of Joao Pedro, who has been instrumental in their attack this season with five goals and five assists in 14 Premier League appearances. Pedro picked up an ankle injury in their recent FA Cup victory over Norwich City, and Hurzeler has expressed caution about rushing him back too soon. Hurzeler confirmed that Brighton would be careful with Pedro's recovery, understanding the importance of not overloading the young striker and ensuring his full fitness before returning to action. Despite his eagerness to play every match, Pedro himself is aware of the physical limitations that require him to sometimes adapt and wait for the right moment to return to full fitness.
In terms of Delap’s season so far, he has made an impressive start, scoring eight goals in 19 Premier League matches. This tally matches his total from 31 Championship games with Hull City last season and has made him one of the most notable young English players to feature in a promoted team’s first 20 Premier League games. His goal-scoring record has drawn comparisons to other successful English strikers, such as Patrick Bamford, who scored 11 goals in Leeds United's first season back in the Premier League during the 2020-21 campaign.
As for Brighton, the team is currently on a winless streak in the Premier League, having drawn their last four matches. This run of results has left them winless in their last eight top-flight games (D6 L2), marking their longest streak without a victory since the period between September and December 2021, under former manager Graham Potter. Despite this, Brighton has shown positive signs, with central defender Jan Paul van Hecke remaining a standout performer in Hurzeler's squad. Van Hecke’s progressive passing has been key to Brighton’s build-up play, and only Alex Iwobi has made more progressive passes in the league this season.
Ipswich, on the other hand, is in excellent form, having already matched their total points (four) and goal tally (four) from their previous seven games within just two Premier League matches. The upcoming fixture marks Ipswich’s first home league encounter against Brighton since a goalless draw in September 2016 during their Championship days, and it will be their first-ever top-flight meeting since January 1983, when Ipswich triumphed 2-0. Ipswich’s ability to perform at the highest level and their positive start to the season under McKenna will make them a difficult challenge for Brighton, especially as they look to continue their momentum in front of their home supporters.
As the two teams prepare to face off, all eyes will be on Delap to see if he can continue his excellent form, as well as how Ipswich handles the pressure of playing at home against a struggling Brighton side. Both managers, McKenna and Hurzeler, will be keen to see their respective teams come away with a positive result as they aim to build on their performances and solidify their positions in the Premier League standings.
