Liam Delap’s loan spell at Stoke City was cut short in January as he was struggling for form and playing time, but the 19-year-old is doing much better at Preston North End, though he’s yet to get off the mark. Delap has made two appearances for his new club, amassing 129 minutes of playing time.
The England U20 international made his debut in Preston’s 4-0 defeat to Norwich City on January 14 and George Hodgson of Lancashire Live gave Delap a player rating of 6/10, saying he ‘looked sharp’ from the bench. He was introduced in the 30th minute and played for an hour.
In Preston’s 2-1 win over Birmingham City on January 21, Hodgson gave the striker a player rating of 8/10 and said he produced a ‘solid display’. Delap started at St Andrews and played for 69 minutes before being withdrawn after a collision.
Delap has delivered two good performances for his new club, but he’ll want to get on the scoresheet soon after struggling in the final third for Stoke – three goals from 37 shots (12.3%).
The 19-year-old has made six appearances for City after rising through the youth ranks to the fringes of the first-team (17 appearances for the U18s, two appearances for the U19s, 36 appearances for the U21s).
Delap has three years remaining on his deal but won’t stand a chance of playing under Pep Guardiola unless he impresses while on loan.
In other news, Riyad Mahrez lauded for ‘incredible’ form turnaround at Man City
For more Manchester City news and opinion, please follow our Vital Football page on Facebook – Vital Man City. Click the link and get involved!
Can you name these Man City players from the 2000s? Test your knowledge, take the quiz and challenge your friends and family to beat your score