Lampard reveals the reason Chelsea hands Pulisic jersey number 10

Chelsea set to begin their 2020-21 season on Monday night when they face Brighton Hove Albion.

The Blues travel to the Amex Stadium, as Frank Lampard hope for a good start.

Recall that Chelsea ended last season in fourth place and secured a spot in the Champions League this season.

Already, Chelsea brought in some fresh legs with Thaigo Silva, Ben Chilwell, Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech already added to the squad.

Christian Pulisic has been handed jersey number 10, ahead of the new season. The American was a revelation for the Blues. He made 34 appearances in all competitions with 11 goals and 10 assists last season.

Frank Lampard has revealed the reason the former Bourissa Dortmund star was handed the jersey number 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.

Recall that Pulisic wore No.22 last season, while the e No.10 shirt was worn by Willian who decided to join Arsenal.

Lampard added: "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, the responsibilities that come with that and I've got no worries with Christian."

It's been reported Pulisic faces fitness test ahead of the game tonight. He suffered an injury in Chelsea's FA Cup loss to Arsenal last month.

"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," the former Debry County boss added.