Willian Is Chelsea’s New No.10 After Hazard’s Departure
Willian will wear the No.10 shirt at Chelsea in the 2019-20 season, succeeding Eden Hazard after the Belgian attacker left to join Real Madrid.
The Brazilian winger had worn the No.22 jersey ever since he joined the Blues in 2013, but has now swapped it for one that has been associated with Hazard for the last five years until his €100 million (£91m/$111m) move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Meanwhile, Willian’s previous number has gone to Christian Pulisic, who arrived at Stamford Bridge this summer from Borussia Dortmund, and 21-year-old Tammy Abraham has been given No.9 following his loan spell in the Championship with Aston Villa.
Mason Mount is also expected to play a role for the Blues as he reunites with coach Frank Lampard, having impressed under the former midfielder at Derby County last term.
The 20-year-old has taken 19, while fellow returning players Michy Batshuayi, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Kenedy keep the numbers they had before they were sent on loan – 23, 14 and 16, respectively. Reece James is 24 and Fikayo Tomori has the 29 jersey.