Everton fans are in agreement about Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap after watching him at Goodison Park

The atmosphere at Goodison Park crackled with a bittersweet tension. It was the penultimate home game for Everton at their historic ground, a fact not lost on the fervent supporters who adorned the stands with banners and a vibrant display of the club’s rich history. Amidst this emotional backdrop, Ipswich Town, already relegated, arrived with nothing to lose, perhaps offering a glimpse into the future for the Toffees faithful. While the match ended in a frustrating 2-2 draw for Everton, the performance of one opposition player, Ipswich Town’s young striker Liam Delap, undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the home crowd, sparking a collective agreement amongst the Everton fanbase.
David Moyes, the returning Everton manager, had openly declared his interest in the 22-year-old forward prior to the match. With Ipswich’s relegation triggering a reported £30 million release clause in Delap’s contract, a scramble for his signature is anticipated this summer, with clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea also credited with an interest. This context added an extra layer of intrigue to Delap’s appearance at Goodison Park, making him a focal point of observation for the Everton supporters.
Throughout the game, Delap showcased glimpses of the qualities that have made him such a sought-after prospect. His physical presence was evident as he battled with Everton’s central defenders, Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski. While he didn’t manage to get on the scoresheet himself, his contributions to Ipswich’s attacking play were notable. In the first half, a swift Ipswich counter-attack saw Delap latch onto the ball, and his cheeky backheel flick towards goal was comfortably saved by Jordan Pickford. This moment, while not resulting in a goal, demonstrated his confidence and willingness to try inventive plays in the final third.
In the second half, Delap continued to be a thorn in Everton’s side. He showed impressive strength to shrug off the attentions of Nathan Patterson on one occasion, before squaring the ball to Julio Enciso on the edge of the box, highlighting his awareness and ability to link up play. While Enciso’s subsequent shot was saved, the passage of play underlined Delap’s capacity to create opportunities for his teammates.
However, Delap’s performance wasn’t solely defined by his attacking contributions. His physical approach to the game drew the ire of some Everton fans. A late scuffle near the corner flag with Everton’s Jake O’Brien resulted in both players receiving yellow cards. These moments, while perhaps not endearing him to the Goodison Park faithful in the heat of the moment, also showcased a competitive edge and a willingness to battle for his team.
Despite these clashes, the overarching sentiment among Everton fans after the match appeared to be one of admiration for Delap’s talent and potential. The fact that David Moyes has publicly acknowledged the club’s interest only amplified this. The Goodison Park faithful have witnessed firsthand the lack of a consistent goalscorer this season, and Delap’s profile – a young, hungry forward with Premier League experience despite his team’s relegation – seemingly fits the bill for what Everton desperately need.
The statistical evidence also supports the burgeoning admiration. Despite playing in a struggling Ipswich side, Delap has managed to net 12 league goals this season, a tally that surpasses the current top scorers at Everton. This clinical edge in front of goal is precisely what the Toffees have been lacking, and the prospect of Delap leading the line in Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock next season is an exciting one for many supporters.
Furthermore, the circumstances surrounding Delap’s potential availability make him an even more attractive proposition. The £30 million release clause, while a significant investment, could prove to be a shrewd piece of business in the current inflated transfer market, especially for a player with Delap’s potential resale value.
The agreement among Everton fans regarding Liam Delap isn’t necessarily about him having a flawless game at Goodison Park. Instead, it stems from witnessing a young, talented striker with the physical attributes, goal-scoring instincts, and competitive spirit that Everton have been crying out for. His performance, coupled with Moyes’s open interest, has planted a seed of hope amongst the fanbase that Delap could be the catalyst for a much-needed attacking resurgence at the club as they embark on a new chapter in their history. While the competition for his signature will be fierce, the collective desire among Everton supporters to see Liam Delap don the blue jersey is palpable.