Danny Murphy Suggests Liam Delap as Harry Kane’s “Obvious Long-Term Successor”

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has asserted that Ipswich striker Liam Delap, aged 21, possesses “all the attributes to be a top international player.” Delap has distinguished himself as one of the Tractor Boys’ key performers since their return to the Premier League, contributing six goals and one assist across 12 matches to date. During an appearance on Match of the Day 2, Murphy elaborated on the young forward’s potential, remarking: “He has got a lot of qualities.” He continued, “I have seen him quite a lot this season and I would probably go as far as to say he is the obvious long-term successor to [Harry] Kane. I think he is the best young English striker out there.” Murphy acknowledged the need for further development, stating, “I know he has got a lot to learn and wisdom comes with experience and game time in this league, but he has got all the attributes to be a top international player.” He further praised Delap, adding, “I just don’t see a weakness for him. He has scored enough goals in a struggling side really, but if he gets a lot of chances he will score more. He has just got that lovely balance between physical and technical [ability] and rarely do you get both. He is a super talent.” Delap, whose father is former Premier League midfielder Rory Delap, made a permanent move in the summer from Manchester City’s academy. Prior to this, he had loan spells with Championship clubs Stoke City, Preston North End, and Hull City. Former Manchester City captain Steph Houghton also commented on Delap’s dedication, stating, “Being at Manchester City [I have seen] him work day in and day out from his knee injury when he went back from Hull to Manchester City to get back fit.” Houghton concluded, “For me, he has been really impressive and and by far Ipswich’s best player so far.”