The next Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba? Cole Palmer and Liam Delap tipped to emulate legendary Chelsea partnership after striker completes move to Stamford Bridge

According to ex-Chelsea star Pat Nevin, the duo has what it takes to build a partnership that resembles the legendary link-up between two of Chelsea's best-ever players. Both forwards racked up seriously impressive numbers in the Premier League last season, and Delap's physical, clinical number 9-style game is expected to compliment Palmer's playmaker role perfectly.

Speaking to Spin Genie, who offer the latest jackpot slots, Nevin said: "Comparing anyone to Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba is unfair but, to be honest, the numbers Cole Palmer has put up are outstanding during his time at Chelsea so far. Can Liam Delap and Palmer build a similar partnership? Certainly. Delap's work rate is fantastic and he will improve because he wants to improve. He's got the attitude that Chelsea fans like to see in their players and, after scoring plenty in a much worse Ipswich Town, if you create the chances, he will score the goals."

He added: "As a striker, there are very few players that you would prefer to play with other than Cole Palmer. It's a dream scenario and it will have played a part in the transfer... they were both from the Man City academy, so there is a shared history. Will they become as successful as Lampard and Drogba? I don't know but I think they can become special in their own right.” 

When you consider how lethal this PL strike force could be, the transfer fee paid for Delap seems even more outrageous. Chelsea bought the former Ipswich Town man for just £30m ($40m) after triggering his release clause, landing a six-year deal and bolstering their attacking options ahead of a first Champions League campaign since 2022/23.

Chelsea's latest signing has already got some minutes under his belt, making his debut at the Club World Cup in a 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC. He replaced Nicolas Jackson on the hour-mark in that game, and faces a challenge to pin down the Number 9 spot.