‘Stronger and faster’ – Xabi Alonso told Chelsea signing is better than Liam Delap

Chelsea new boy Dastan Satpayev is ‘stronger’, ‘faster’ and ‘more resilient’ than Liam Delap and has a ‘good chance’ of succeeding at Stamford Bridge.

That’s the view of Satpayev’s former manager at Kairat, Rafael Urazbakhtin, who has waxed lyrical about the 17-year-old forward after his eye-catching debut performance against Sydney Wanderers.

It was announced back in February 2025 that Satpayev would be signing for the Blues from Kazakhstan outfit Kairat for a reported fee of around €4million (£3.4million).

However, Satpayev didn’t join up with his new team-mates until this summer given clubs are only able to complete international transfers once the player is aged 18 or above.

Xabi Alonso had clearly seen enough promise from Satpayev’s showings in training to entrust Satpayev with a place in his starting XI to face Sydney Wanderers last week – and the youngster didn’t look at all out of place.

The Kazakhstan international took his opportunity with both hands in an encouraging all-round display, opening the scoring with a smart finish after only six minutes and proving a nuisance for the Wanderers’ defence throughout at the Accor Stadium.

He also came on as a second-half substitute this weekend as Alonso’s men were defeated 2-1 by bitter rivals Tottenham, replacing goalscorer Estevao with 20 minutes remaining Down Under.

‘We still have to take decisions,’ Alonso said when asked about Satpayev’s future ahead of the loss to Spurs.

‘I knew Dastan from Almaty. He is a ball threat, he attacks the inner channel well and is good as a striker coming from the outside.

‘He is really strong, really quick and I have been really impressed with him.’

According to Satpayev’s old boss Urazbakhtin, the attacker has all the talent and potential to become a genuine star for Chelsea.

In an interview with Sports.ru, the Kairat head coach lifted the lid on Chelsea’s move for Satpayev and the club’s plans for their new signing.

‘Dastan has a very good chance of establishing himself in the team,’ Urazbakhtin said.

‘When we went to Chelsea and stayed there for training, we spoke with the scouting department. Of course, this was before Alonso, but their plan was that Dastan would stay at Chelsea no matter what, and they would give him playing time to help him adapt.

‘I think he has a good chance of establishing himself in the team.’

Urazbakhtin believes Delap’s minutes could in serious danger should Alonso give Satpayev a serious opportunity in Chelsea’s first-team this season.

‘They have a striker, Delap. In my opinion, Dastan is stronger. He’s younger, faster,’ he added.

‘Delap may have more experience – he’s played in the Championship and the Premier League. However, Dastan is faster, more resilient, and more versatile.

‘Delap, for example, is a pure forward. I’d prefer Dastan to Delap.’

On Satpayev’s display against Sydney Wanderers, Urazbakhtin went on: ‘He showed his worth from the first minute.

‘This goal will boost Dastan’s confidence and the confidence of the coaching staff.

‘We listened to Alonso’s press conference – he spoke very highly of his performance.’

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