Nottingham Forest have 'huge' Liam Delap concern

Nottingham Forest are concerned about Liam Delap's performances since his big-money move from Chelsea in the summer.

The 23-year-old has scored one goal in five Premier League appearances so far, and missed a huge chance to put his side 2-0 up during the 3-1 defeat against Crystal Palace.

His performance at Selhurst Park has raised major red flags for Oliver Glasner's side, who are starting to doubt his ability to lead the line on a consistent basis this season.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Forest have doubts about whether they can rely upon Delap as their main sources of goals.

The City Ground club have failed to score in four of their seven games in all competitions this season, leading to fears that their attacking output could lead to a difficult season.

Delap's performance against Crystal Palace has now heightened those concerns, after he was bombed out of Chelsea for similar issues he faced at Stamford Bridge.

Why was Liam Delap's performance such a concern?

Football Insider reported on 11 October that Delap should be dropped by Nottingham Forest if they wish to turn around their fortunes after his display against Crystal Palace.

Alongside missing multiple chances to extend his side's lead, the striker also struggled with his all-round game, as he was comfortably marshalled by the Eagles' defenders.

Given Forest's attacking issues, they are looking to their big-name players to step up, and despite spending £50million on Delap in the summer, he has already become a concern.

"Nottingham Forest's biggest problem is that they can't score goals," Brown told Football Insider.

"And the concern is, when you look at their players, where do you think those goals are going to come from? There's nobody who really stands out in that respect.

"Chris Wood had a purple patch a couple of seasons ago but has never really done it since then, and then you've got Liam Delap, who simply hasn't been good enough.

"Delap can't be the player Forest rely upon to score their goals, he proved that against Crystal Palace when he was incerdibly wasteful, so that's a huge worry for them.

"Look at his career, Man City let him go because they didn't think he was good enough, then he went to Ipswich and did okay, but then Chelsea made the same decision.

"Now he's at Nottingham Forest and they're experiencing the same problems he had at both Man City and Chelsea, so it shouldn't be a surprise.

"I don't think he's of the standard required to lead the line every week in the Premier League as the main goalscorer, and that could put Forest in a very difficult position."

How can Nottingham Forest resolve their goalscoring issues?

Nottingham Forest are determined to put an end to their goalscoring woes, with their performance against Crystal Palace underlining the major issues they are facing.

However, it is not only the strikers who will be looked at for their lack of impact, with goals and creativity from midfield also flagged as a weakness at the City Ground.

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider on 9 October that Nottingham Forest may have to spend big on a top-level attacking midfielder to resolve their issues.

Glasner's side are the only club in the Premier League who have yet to score a goal at home this season, and those concerns have led to transfer plans being put in place.

Their issues have largely come with regard to breaking down low blocks, a similar concern to the one Glasner often faced at Palace, but smart recruitment could help.