Why is the number 10 jersey very important to a football club?

Eden Hazard is not playing? Count it a loss! These were the declarations being passed from fans that thronged the pub.

As I glued my eyes on the giant screen, my friend Moses, an avid fan of Manchester United, shouted that Chelsea would suffer another defeat. Before I could swallow that, another fan added that Chelsea is losing yet it has good players like Eden Hazard.

And soon, Eden Hazard, number 10 wearer, and Jose Mourinho were being discussed by everyone. Then when the game began, the commentators, slow motion cameras were all on the duo, at least for more times.

At the end of the game, Chelsea lost. Fans concluded that Eden Hazard’s dismal display was the key reason why Chelsea had lost.

When someone asked why everyone was pointing fingers at Eden Hazard yet the team had eleven players, Moses quipped: “He wears number 10 jersey”. Then I understood the myths and intrigues surrounding number 10 jersey.

It's interesting to see how number 10 is coveted in the world of football. The player who wears number 10 jersey seems to be considered a vital member and one to bring the difference when the rest of the team is not at its best.

History will lead you to iconic names like Pele, Brazil’s all-time greatest or Maradona, the Argentine whose hand of God still makes headlines. They are arguably two of the finest to don the number 10 jersey. Their fine display may have painted number 10 as a reserve of playmakers.

It is hugely regarded as a legacy and given to only those who deserve this honor. Players like Lionel Messi (Argentina), Zinedine Zidane (France) and Ronaldinho (Brazil) certainly brought laurels for their respective clubs and countries while donning number 10 outfits.

In other clubs like Manchester United, number seven held a special place. David Beckham, Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo wore it but number 10 still stands out. Whoever is donning number 10 jersey on the field is literally responsible for the actions of other 10 players.

Many clubs and countries depend on this jersey to win matches. Barcelona, the world’s finest club, has literally depended on Messi to lift accolades. When he is not fit, the team struggles on most occasions.

No wonder when Messi was not fit to face Paraguay for their second round World Cup qualifiers match, he offered Sergio Aguero the number 10 jersey and literally told him not to chicken out.

Whether a myth or not, number 10 wearer has a huge team responsibility. He will always share the team’s blame or success. On that, I pardon my friend Moses for blaming Hazard for Chelsea’s deepened form.