Many Chelsea fans that buy a replica shirt opt to add a name and number. Some will choose their own name and favourite number whilst others will wear the shirt of their favourite player. You can add a name and number printing to your shirt at online retailers Kitbag and UKSoccerShop.
Although this list may not hold any surprises, it does indicate the top 5 chosen player shirts.
Frank Lampard – Along with John Terry, the most respected Chelsea player. Scoring at least 20 goals in most seasons and often amongst the candidates for player of the year for both club (which he has been awarded three times) and league. Frank Lampard wears number 8.
John Terry – As Chelsea captain he is an obvious choice for fans to add his name and number 26 to their shirt. At the heart of defence, he gives 100% every game and his dedication and commitment is rarely questioned.
Petr Cech – The Chelsea Goalkeeper shirt is very popular, perhaps influenced by one the best goalkeepers in the game. Petr Cech wears, of course, the number 1 shirt.
Michael Essien – One of the strongest, most versatile players in the Chelsea squad. Was the Chelsea player of the year in 2007 and his great goal against Barcelona last season was named as goal of the year by fans. Essien wears number 5.
Joe Cole – Despite suffering from injury problems, Joe Cole remains a firm favourite of Chelsea supporters. He was named Chelsea player of the year for his outstanding performance during the 2007/08 season. Joe Cole wears the number 10 shirt.
You may also consider the following defenders:
Ashley Cole – A player who seems to be improving with age and has secured his position at left back for both Chelsea and England with. Ashley Cole wears number 3.
Ricardo Carvalho – A solid performer, the Portuguese centre back wears the number 6 shirt.
Jose Bosingwa – A gifted player going forward – with pace and precision crossing. Bosingwa wears number 17.
Alex – A rock at the back and he has quite a foot on him when taking free kicks. Brazilian Alex wears the number 33 shirt.
Juliano Belletti – Although he regularly plays in a midfield role his preferred position is right back. He has scored some really quite remarkable goals. Belletti wears number 35.
One of the following midfielders may in fact be your favourite Chelsea player
Michael Ballack – Wearing the number 13 shirt, Ballack is probably the best player Chelsea have ever got on a free transfer.
Florent Malouda – He has taken some time to settle in at Chelsea but is performing well this season with a few goals to his name. The Frenchman wears number 15.
Yuri Zhirkov – Great things are promised from this Russian. Zhirkov was awarded shirt number 18.
Deco – The winner of many ‘best midfielder’ awards, the Portuguese can produce some remarkable magic at times. Deco wears the number 20 shirt.
The following strikers are also popular choices:
Didier Drogba – Often labelled the best striker in the world when he is on his game. Drogba wears number 11.
Nicolas Anelka – Many people queried Chelsea’s decision to sign ‘Le Sulk’ from Bolton. However, the Frenchman is playing the best football of his career at Chelsea and most of all, is happy. A happy Anelka equals a very productive Anelka. Anelka wears number 39.
Salomon Kalou – Drogba’s international strike partner, Kalou has a lot of potential as a goalscoring forward. Kalou wears number 21