This archive report was first published on 9 July 2019.
Eden Hazard's Chelsea Legacy: Who Could Fill the Iconic No.10 Jersey? ¶
Eden Hazard's departure from Chelsea this summer has left a significant void in the team, with several players vying for his iconic No.10 jersey.
Published on July 9, 2019, at 2:33 PM EAT, TUKO.co.ke delves into five players who could inherit the jersey number.
Eden Hazard's departure to Real Madrid earlier in the summer could force Chelsea to look within their ranks for a replacement for the Belgian star.
He swapped life in London for Madrid days after guiding the Blues to Europa League glory against Arsenal in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Willian, a Brazilian player who has been at the club since 2013, has made nearly 300 appearances for the west London side.
However, he has been accused of lack of consistency, but may feel it is his right to be given the No 10 shirt after his years of service and commitment.
Callum Hudson-Odoi, an 18-year-old English player, shot into fame last season at Chelsea, and despite lack of game time under former boss, Maurizio Sarri, the youngster impressed whenever he got the chance.
He will be out of contract next summer and the Blues are doing everything within their reach to get the youngster pen a new one.
But with growing interest from Bayern Munich, promising the Englishman the famous No. 10 Chelsea jersey would convince him commit his future with the Blues.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, a 23-year-old English midfielder, is set to play a major role in the middle of the park after signing a new contract worth £150,000-a-week.
And with the arrival of Frank Lampard as manager, the 23-year-old could be having a better mentor within his disposal.
Loftus-Cheek has in the past made his desire to play in the No. 10 role.
Mason Mount, a young English player, is the unlikeliest candidate for the shirt.
But Mount is poised for big things after a brilliant campaign under Lampard at Derby in the Championship.
Chelsea are already in talks to extend his current deal.
Christian Pulisic, a 20-year-old American player, signed for Chelsea in January but is yet to make an appearance in a Blues shirt after being loaned back to Borussia Dortmund.
It appears the Blues board were well aware of Hazard’s imminent departure and snapped up the American just in time before their two-window transfer ban.
Lampard may have insisted Pulisic will not fill Hazard’s boots - but with the Belgian's former number on his back, the 20-year-old will have to prove his doubters wrong.
