Really? Genuinely surprised at that
Weird, weird game for him tonight. Was physical and willing all game. Great runs off the ball, but when he got through on goal, and he did a fair few times, he was unusually hesitant in pulling the trigger and it cost him. He genuinely was having a mare in front of goal...for 85 mins of the game. Then he scored a cracker late on, holding off loads of challenges and firing well into the bottom corner from 20 yards. And got another a minute later - defender fell over, he used his pace to lob high over the onrushing keeper, follow the ball coming down and volleyed it in.
Sums him up though. Really, really determined. Like most top strikers, you'll know they'll score eventually if they're on the pitch. Sergio is like that, and not everyone is. I think Delap might have it too. It's a special trait, and I genuinely believe he could have it. Add his pace, physicality, natural aggression and drive and you've got a really special player there potentially. Only young still of course, but we should give this kid a go when he's ready.
I watched that game & this is exactly what I thought.
He basically couldn't hit a bulls arse with a banjo for most of the game & you could see he was really pissing himself off more & more.
He was absolutely determined one would go in though & the goal he scored, I thought was just great, like an old 70s Rodney Marsh or Frank Worthington style goal, surrounded by defenders & holding them all off. They weren't wussy, weak defenders either, they were proper blokes. Then a Paul Dickov style 2nd.
I think we have really got something here. He has no obvious areas where you can see anything extra he would need. He's got brains, real skill, pace, confidence, workrate & scores goals, 6 ft tall. I can't think of anything similar at 17, Rooney in a different way I suppose. And just as aggressive.
Seeing him on a day where he was fucking hopeless in front of goal & seeing his attitude to get out of it, was better than him scoring an easy 5 imo.
He must be worth some first team experience off the bench, even if he struggles, he will fight. He even looks as if he'll be a player if he's not prolific at scoring, he's a footballer.
If he suddenly loses it & doesn't make it, then fair enough, but if he plays like this & City ignore him, after giving other players so much game time, I'm finished with it.
That's very encouraging.Yep. He's got it all. As you said, not just a battering ram. An actual intelligent footballer too. You can't train that hunger for goals either. It's something you have or you don't - he does. Doesn't matter if he misses chances, he just knows he'll score eventually. Natural.
I'm quite reassured that he's already training with the first team. I think the fact that we only signed him a year and a bit ago now, so he's fresh in everyone's minds, and the fact that his dad is an ex pro, will actually turn the spotlight towards him.
I speak to a few people at City every now and then when i'm at academy games, and one pretty important person linked to City's academy setup said he views him like Haaland stylistically. They have high hopes for him. Big praise that!
Do you really think we'd throw on delap when we can throw on jesus or aguero depending on who's on the bench, mahrez, Torres etc?That's very encouraging.
He is exactly what we lack right now imo; a young striker to throw in as a wild card when we are on top but not winning. A free place in the squad, someone happy to be on the bench here & there. We haven't had that since Iheanacho.
Delap is obviously better
Do you really think we'd throw on delap when we can throw on jesus or aguero depending on who's on the bench, mahrez, Torres etc?
Perhaps we're looking to tie Aguero down for a little longer in order to feed Delap in? You never know your luck.Hopefully we give him some games this season. I don't buy us looking at another striker with Aguero and Jesus still here (especially with us trying to tie down Aguero longer), so there could be some scope to bed him into the squad in a similar way Phil/Garcia have over the past couple of seasons.
He's the exact sort of profile that we are crying out for to give us something a bit different.
There one of the favourites for league two and have been spending like nobody’s business.I read on a Mansfield forum it was their first choice defence and keeper. Although they appear to think they are looking at relegation to non league so not imagining that the standard was great.
They are worse than bluemoon for moaning then!There one of the favourites for league two and have been spending like nobody’s business.
Still very raw, needs to work on his first touch also, could be ready in 2 years but not right now.
Thing is players are weird. Some just take to 1st team football
I think clubs sometimes have an attitude towards young players that can be too scientific or bureaucratic, esp. at the top clubs.
He has the physical attributes to be given some minutes this season.
Let's say Aguero and Jesus were unavailable for a game, I'd rather chuck Delap in than see Sterling through the middle again.
Rashford wasn't that raw mate, I think its too soon for Delap.This. Rashford was raw as fuck and MILES off when he randomly got a go due to injuries. Just thrived in it, and before we knew it he was retiring Demichelis. Delap is the exact kinda lad who could do the same thing.
Yes he absolutely was, was basically a speed merchant is why he got promoted.Rashford wasn't that raw mate, I think its too soon for Delap.
Still very raw, needs to work on his first touch also, could be ready in 2 years but not right now.
I can't believe some of the posts in this thread. Delap is 17 years old and basically a second year apprentice. He is a very promising prospect but he is nowhere near first team level at the moment.
I can't believe some of the posts in this thread. Delap is 17 years old and basically a second year apprentice. He is a very promising prospect but he is nowhere near first team level at the moment.