This summer saw a changing of guard at Chelsea, and with it, a change in the make-up of their squad.
One of those who left the club, Liam Delap, has opened up to The Athletic on what he learned from his spell at Stamford Bridge after he joined Nottingham Forest.
Reflecting on his rather brief time in West London, the former Ipswich Town striker insists that despite limited starting opportunities, "I don't think anything's lost", pointing to tactical development that will serve him well at his new club.
He joined Forest after being informed that he was surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, and is aiming for a fresh start at the City Ground.
Liam Delap Opens Up on Disappointing Chelsea Stint
Nottingham Forest's new £45 million man Liam Delap has shared his honest opinion on his season at Stamford Bridge.
He had been coveted by several top-flight clubs after a fine season at Ipswich Town, in which hd scored 12 Premier League goals.
The 23-year-old chose to move to Chelsea, deciding to join the Blues for the FIFA Club World Cup last summer instead of playing in the U-21 Euros.
He provided an assist on his debut for the club and scored once as Chelsea won the tournament.
He sustained a severe hamstring injury on just his second appearance for the Blues in the Premier League, leaving him sidelined for weeks.
He never managed to get going afterwards, and scored just two goals across the remainder of the campaign, while Joao Pedro thrived as his competition.
The club took the decision to bring in the likes of Danny Welbeck and Emmanuel Emegha, closing the door to Delap's continued stay at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Athletic, the 23-year-old rejected narratives of regret, asserting that he chooses to see things in a positive light, and has taken the lessons from the spell in West London.
"You just have to accept sometimes that things go badly, things happen.
It might be a good thing. My first loans to Stoke and Preston - they didn't go well and it was one of the best things that happened.
I learned so much from those spells. I'm still young. I've still got a lot of learning to do.
I don't think anything's lost. You have bad times and it's never going to be a linear journey - straight to the top. At Ipswich, I got into a real good rhythm, so it's getting back to that.
Some people overthink things. I have always been a person who does not look at that stuff. Mentally, I am strong, I have good people around me. You just have to keep your head and carry on," he said.
He maintains that he has the mental strength to bounce back, and he will get his chance to do so under Oliver Glasner at the City Ground.
Why Nottingham Forest and Oliver Glasner Offered the Ideal Reset
Delap's decision to join Nottingham Forest on a five-year deal stems from a clear tactical alignment with Oliver Glasner's direct, high-intensity principles.
The Englishman joined as a direct replacement for Taiwo Awoniyi, who was sold to newly-promoted Coventry City this summer.
He will compete for a starting berth at the club with cult hero Chris Wood and Igor Jesus, and made a good impression on his debut against Liverpool last weekend.
Known for his aggressive pressing, powerful aerial profile, and channel running, Delap fits the archetype of a battering ram No. 9.
Forest's steep investment in the striker communicated their clear guarantee of regular minutes, leading him to choose to join them this summer.
He will be keen to find his best form again and establish himself as the focal point of the club's attack.
Rebuilding the Path to International Football Under Tuchel
Since his emergence at Manchester City, Liam Delap has been touted as a possible heir to Harry Kane in the national team set-up.
One of his main targets at the City Ground will be to make his way back into the thinking of England coach Thomas Tuchel.
Having starred for England's youth sides, the striker recognizes that consistent Premier League minutes are essential for senior international consideration.
With the likes of Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins having moved to Saudi Arabia, an opportunity has presented itself for Delap to immediately become Kane's understudy for the Three Lions.
He is now at an environment where he can thrive fully, reignite his goalscoring momentum, and earn future Three Lions call-ups.
Lessons for Young Players from Liam Delap's Journey So Far
Young players must learn to view every transfer experience as a learning curve. They must realise that things may not always go to plan and not be deterred whenever this happens..
Also, young players must prioritise playing time in their crucial development windows. It is of no use to them if they sit on the bench at a big club instead of finding their feet elsewhere, as they will protect their career progression this way.
Young players should try to move to clubs whose tactical systems align with their style of play, as this normally accelerates performance output significantly.
