Thomas Frank seriously impressed by Nottingham Forest new boy Liam Delap, explains why he's 'brilliant'
Nottingham Forest secured their first win of the new Premier League season when they won 2-1 away at Aston Villa on Saturday.
New signing Liam Delap netted the opener for the Reds just after half-time, before Alysson then levelled the game for the hosts in the 74th minute.
However, Oliver Glasner’s side found a way to claim all three points, with Igor Jesus’ late finish ensuring they secured their first victory of the new season.
The East Midlands side claimed their first victory at Villa Park in 32 years, with Glasner also notching his first three points as Forest boss in the process.
It was a hugely encouraging afternoon for the East Midlands outfit, who will have ambitions to push back towards the European places this term.
There were several promising performances across the pitch for Glasner’s men, but perhaps none more so than Delap, who has received significant praise.
Liam Delap backed for 15-goal season
Delap struggled at Chelsea last season, as he managed just one Premier League goal in 28 games after his £30million move from Ipswich.
He recently became Forest’s record signing in a £50m deal, and that is sure to bring lofty expectations for him as the season unfolds.
The 23-year-old is now off the mark for his new club, and his performance on Saturday caught the attention of former Tottenham and Brentford boss Thomas Frank.
“He’s a very good signing for Forest, Glasner has played a big role in wanting to get him in,” Frank said on Match of the Day.
“With the way they play, he’s very good at helping to create chances. The goal is excellent; it’s a brilliant strike. He’s also very good at stretching teams.
“His positioning in the box in general is also good. I really like him, and I think with more confidence and game time, I’m confident that he will score a lot of goals, 12 to 15 goals.
“The runs in behind are so crucial for Glasner.”
Delap is a big capture for Nottingham Forest
Football Insider revealed at the start of August that both Everton and Coventry City were working on a deal to sign Delap, and they were just two of a whole host of clubs that were keen to land him.
However, it was Forest who ultimately won the race for the frontman’s signature, and he has already made it look like a very good signing.
The striker position has provided problems for Glasner’s predecessors, especially with Chris Wood’s recent injury issues.
However, in Delap, they arguably have a long-term starting option to lead the line, and he will only go from strength to strength as he develops.
