Chelsea's number 10

The number 10 jersey in Chelsea football Club has become a highly respected one in recent time. The respect accorded this Jersey number is not because it is called number 10, nor because it is worn by a maestro, but because of the calibre of individuals that have adorned it. 

Roll back time to the playing days of the skillful Joe Cole, a dependable number 10 who distinguished himself in the Blue's jersey which he wore with pride and was undoubtedly the man who made the jersey number what it is and has become for the West London outfit and it's fans.

When Cole was done with the Blues,the number 10 jersey was kept away and not given to anyone as the London Club continued their search for another dependable icon that would be worthy of the legendary number. 

In no sooner time, Juan Mata was found. The little Spaniard came in with little expectations from the fans but went on to establish himself as the most successful number 10 in the history of Chelsea football club. 

The current Manchester United man was in the middle of the park, in a spectacular season that saw the Blues win the Champions League for the first time in the history of the club. It was him who delivered a pinpoint corner kick that found the head of Didier Drogba who scored the goal that changed the destiny of the Blues.

According to Didier Drogba, the Spanish Midfielder was instrumental for not only the corner kick but also the motivation which helped him to build up courage and the needed confidence to go for the goal. Mata won Chelsea player of the season twice before he was sold to Manchester United by Jose Mourinho.

Then came the versatile Eden Hazard. He was already an established Star at Lille in France before coming to England. In West London, he established himself in the number 10 position and was mercurial on the pitch. He took over from Juan Mata and was the driving force that powered Chelsea through two premier league titles and another Europa league cup before he departed to Real Madrid. The journey to Spain has not been glorious for now,but he was iconic in London.

Willian Borges da Silva didn't do badly but didn't do much. He was gifted and masterful with the ball on the pitch, but he was the least of Chelsea's number 10s. The Brazilian has since moved over to the other side of London.

Back to the present, Christian Pulisic returned to blistering form after the break caused by the coronavirus pandemic. His runs through the flank, his pinpoint passes and flamboyant goals is a delight to watch.

His speed and strength is another thing that distinguished the American from other Chelsea number 10s and if he continues like that, he definitely will be the best number 10 to ever adorn that Blue's iconic number.