Frank Lampard insists Christian Pulisic ‘deserves’ to wear Chelsea’s No.10 shirt and believes the decision will only motivate the United States international.
Pulisic impressed in his debut Premier League campaign with 11 goals and 10 assists in 34 appearances last season.
Willian took over Eden Hazard’s No.10 shirt last summer but following the Brazilian’s move to Arsenal in August, Lampard opted to hand the number to Pulisic.
And the Chelsea manager is confident the 21-year-old will live up to the expectations that come with being the club’s No.10.
‘I wanted him to have it because I felt like he deserved it and he wanted it,’ Lampard told NBC’s Inside the Mind.
‘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 number 10, the responsibilities that come with that and I’ve got no worries with Christian.
‘That’s something we’re working on. We all know what a fit Christian Pulisic can do.’
