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In his first season at <\/b>Chelsea<\/b><\/a>Liam Delap scored just one Premier League goal – two in 41 appearances in all competitions – and ended the campaign on a 26-game goal drought. <\/b><\/p>\n A year ago, when the striker arrived at Stamford Bridge, he spoke about his ambition to make England’s World Cup squad this summer. Clearly, it’s not gone to plan.<\/p>\n There are mitigating circumstances for the England Under-21 international, who had injuries and spent a lot of time on the bench, but his goal tally remains surprising given he scored 12 for an Ipswich Town side that was relegated the season before. <\/p>\n Chelsea<\/a> won the race and triggered Delap’s \u00a330m release clause, despite strong interest from Manchester United, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Everton<\/a> last May.<\/p>\n So what next? Delap remains committed and wants at least another season to prove his doubters wrong.<\/p>\n The 23-year-old’s commitment is reflected in his decision to buy a house locally, while his coaches – Enzo Maresca, Liam Rosenior and most recently Calum McFarlane – have all highlighted his work-rate behind the scenes.<\/p>\n Delap’s biggest issue has been Joao Pedro, who also arrived last summer in a \u00a355m move from Brighton<\/a> and was arguably the standout forward among those signed by major English clubs, with Manchester United<\/a>, Arsenal<\/a> and Newcastle<\/a> also strengthening in that area.<\/p>\n Unlike Delap, Pedro is currently part of a group of ‘untouchable’ players at Stamford Bridge, alongside Cole Palmer, Reece James and Moises Caicedo.<\/p>\n