According to reports, new Chelsea signings Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz had an eye on the No.10 shirt at Chelsea but Chelsea boss Frank Lampard gave it to Christian Pulisic instead.
Pulisic, who turns 22 this week, scored nine times in 25 games for the Blues in the Premier League, and 11 in 34 in all competitions. The versatile winger also laid on 10 assists.
Explaining his decision to give Pulisic the No.10 shirt, Lampard said, according to Daily Mirror: “I wanted him to have it because I felt like he deserved it and he wanted it.
“He came last year and Willian was almost the man in waiting at the club to take the No.10 shirt and I think it was right he took it with his experience.
“When it became open I think what Christian delivered in his first year more than warranted that he gets the shirt and what it means.
“I know it means a lot, and there will be a few in that line to try and have that shirt. But I was keen for him to have it and very pleased to actually make the call.
“I called him, as he was home at the time, and I could sense he was happy and I get the sense now it’s another little push up for him where he can hopefully feel confident that he’s here, he’s No.10 and the responsibilities that come with that.
“I’ve got no worries with Christian. As I say, he’s hungry and the only thing we have to continue to do is manage him because he’s so fast and the way he plays, we have to manage and try to come away from those big injuries he had last year. That’s something we’re working on.
“We all know what a fit Christian Pulisic can do.”