Liam Delap beats Dominic Calvert-Lewin in two key attacking metrics as Leeds United eye transfer

Leeds United fans may have been baffled when they saw Chelsea striker Liam Delap's name linked with their club. 

The 23-year-old notched just one goal and no assists in 28 Premier League games after joining the Stamford Bridge side.

MOT Leeds News has shared reports on Wednesday that the Elland Road side are in the race to sign Delap.

They face competition from Nottingham Forest and Everton for the Englishman, who is valued at between £35-40million.

His numbers do not exactly inspire confidence that he has what it takes to thrive in the top-flight.

However, a deeper dive into those figures shows that he may well be the perfect alternative to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, as he betters him in two key attacking metrics.

What do the numbers say about Leeds United target Liam Delap?

The initial surprise about the Whites' involvement in the race for the former Ipswich Town man will dissipate with the data behind his 2025-26 campaign.

According to Fotmob, he averaged 2.94 shots and 5.39 touches in the opposition box on a per 90 basis, so it makes sense that the i News claim that the Peacocks want him.

The current Leeds starter managed 2.44 shots and 4.46 touches in the opposition box per game.

That suggests that the England Under-21 star could be a better option if he gets a bit more luck in front of goal.

BBC pundit Chris Sutton has already seen his class, with the ex-Blues forward waxing lyrical about the forward’s ability in January 2025.

He said: "He has got a bit of everything in his game, he can handle himself physically and he has got a brilliant touch too. The best thing about him, though, is that he is pretty fearless."

Why a strike partnership may work well for Leeds

A partnership between the two strikers may make the most sense for Daniel Farke.

While Delap has the better numbers in terms of positioning and attempts at goal, Calvert-Lewin has the edge with the physical things.

The LS11 ace averaged a top speed of 22.5mph and covers 6.33 miles per game, according to data from Sofascore.

The Chelsea man was a little worse in those metrics, with 22.05mph and 5.65 miles covered per 90.

They could complement each other very well, with Calvert-Lewin pressing from the front, and Delap being there to capitalise when he wins the ball back.

Whether the Yorkshire side come out on top in the chase remains to be seen, but they should be front and centre despite his struggles last season.