Chelsea FC Squad Numbers for 2021-22 Season Announced
Mateo Kovacic Switches to Number Eight
Chelsea FC has officially released the squad numbers for the 2021-22 season, with midfielder Mateo Kovacic making a notable switch from jersey number 17 to number eight. The Croatian international requested the change, expressing his desire to wear the iconic number associated with legends of the game.
Other Notable Squad Number Changes
In addition to Kovacic's move, several other players have also received new squad numbers. Kepa Arrizabalaga has returned to the number one goalkeeper jersey, while Edouard Mendy will wear the number 16. New signing Romelu Lukaku has inherited the coveted number nine, previously worn by club legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
The full list of squad numbers for the 2021-22 season is as follows:
- Goalkeepers: Kepa Arrizabalaga (1), Edouard Mendy (16)
- Defenders: Thiago Silva (6), Marcos Alonso (3), Ben Chilwell (21), Antonio Rudiger (2), Reece James (24), Cesar Azpilicueta (28), Andreas Christensen (4)
- Midfielders: Mateo Kovacic (8), Jorginho (5), N'Golo Kante (7), Mason Mount (19), Kai Havertz (29), Hakim Ziyech (22), Ross Barkley (18), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (12)
- Forwards: Romelu Lukaku (9), Timo Werner (11), Christian Pulisic (10)
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