Chelsea: Poetic passing of the torch in line for No. 11

Chelsea’s current legendary No. 11 is likely on his way out, but another world class player—who wears the same shirt—is on his way in.

Pedro has sported the No. 11 shirt since the 2016/17 season at Stamford Bridge. His contract is set to expire at the end of the month and he’s been linked to a free transfer with multiple English, Spanish and Italian squads. It seems the 32-year-old’s future is becoming more clear as he’s on his way to Roma following the expiration of his current Chelsea deal.

However, another player who wears the same number is on his way to west London next season. Timo Werner has agreed to a five-year contract with the Blues in a €55 million deal from RB Leipzig. If Werner sticks with a shirt of the same number, Chelsea is set to see a metaphorical passing of the torch from one footballing generation to the next through the No. 11 kit.

Pedro’s career at Chelsea has been filled with accolades, trophies and mesmerizing moments. He’s won the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League during his five-year stint at Stamford Bridge. He’s also scored 43 goals in that time, many of which have caused the jaws of spectators to drop to the floor.

He was brought in at the height of his career and has enjoyed a lot of success with the Blues, but his time has come as he’s ready to take on a different challenge. He’s made the blue No. 11 kit his own during his time in west London and it is only fitting the 32-year-old bows out giving his shirt to someone with the capability of surpassing his own legacy.

Although different from Pedro in position and stature, Werner possesses many of the same qualities as the Spaniard. Both players are incredible playmakers who can create a bit of magic from absolutely nothing, but more importantly, Werner’s arrival signifies a sort of revival at Chelsea. The Blues are straying away from the mediocre transfers of years past and beginning to shape a roster with glory in sight. Werner is just the beginning of a roster overhaul.

Whereas Pedro is one of Chelsea’s most impactful imports since his arrival, he complemented the squad he was brought into. Werner has the opportunity to kickstart an already solid roster as the catalyst. The German forward will be tasked with making an instant impact in the side. This puts an immense weight on the 24-year-old’s shoulders, but also presents him with a unique opportunity. If the forward thrives, Werner’s name could be mentioned in the same breath as another famous forward of Chelsea to wear the No. 11—Didier Drogba.

Werner may be inheriting Pedro’s number, but he’s got the opportunity to take the Chelsea No. 11 shirt from a fan favorite to worldwide icon status. Between Stuttgart and Leipzig Werner has shared his talents with German fans; but at Chelsea, he’s got the eyes of Europe on him each and every week. A passing of the torch is only fitting for a shirt that carries so much history at Stamford Bridge.