Enzo Maresca is convinced Liam Delap will hit top gear for Chelsea as the young striker continues his climb back to full rhythm.
The 22-year-old joined early in the summer and helped the Blues secure the Club World Cup.
He then featured in the first three games of the Premier League season before a hamstring injury halted his momentum.
The setback kept him out for almost two months.
His return brought another hurdle, as a red card in the Carabao Cup clash at Wolves slowed his progress again.
Since then, Maresca has managed Delap’s minutes carefully to help him regain match sharpness.
Delap has now played in six straight matches across all competitions.His midweek start against Leeds was only his third since returning to action.
He didn’t find the net at Elland Road, but he created openings and showed signs of confidence.
That was enough for Maresca. He trusts Delap fully, having coached him during their time at Manchester City.
“It was a long time for him to be out,” Maresca said. “I think he is getting better and the other day against Leeds, he had two or three chances where he could have done better.
“I know Liam from many years ago at Manchester City and I don’t have any doubts that he will score goals and be important for us.”
The Blues’ defeat at Leeds ended their strong away run in the Premier League.
Their last road loss came in mid-September at Old Trafford, a match shaped by an early red card.
Maresca criticised his team’s approach at Elland Road but admitted the setback offered valuable lessons.
“We need to be aware of where we go [when away from home]. In terms of the intensity, the environment, whether it is a small pitch. We need to be ready for all these things,” he explained.
“I learned more from the Leeds game than against Arsenal or Barcelona because we did a few things wrong that we need to avoid in the future. Hopefully, we can start showing that tomorrow [against Bournemouth].”
The London giants now look to hit back quickly as they prepare for another crucial league outing.
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