Branislav Ivanovic

Branislav Ivanovic was signed by Lokomotiv Moscow in January 2006 after three years of playing in the first division of football in Serbia. He was pivotal in Lokomotiv’s title challenging aspiration. By this time, he also sealed his place in the Serbian national team. He won the Russian Cup in 2007.

On the 15th of January 2008, he moved to Chelsea for a fee of £ 9.7 million. He did not feature at all in his first season and despite rumors that he was soon moving away next season, Luiz Felipe Scolari admitted that the Serbian was in his plans. Throughout the season he was a target for many Serie A clubs especially AC Milan. His scored twice for Chelsea came in the 2008-2009 seaso in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final at Anfield. A memorable match for all Chelse a fans. He was then nicknamed as Branislav ‘two goal’ Ivanović. Even the stadium announcers refer him to that name to this day.

In The 2009-2010 season, impressive performances ensured that he was linked to a transfer to Real Madrid. He was named in the PFA 2009/2010 Team of the Year in the right-back position.

He signed a new five year contract in the 2010-2011 season. He was even nominated for Chelsea Player of the year that season as Chelsea went trophyless.

Strengths – Good in the air , both defensively and in attack , along with brilliant reading of the game on the right. He can also play in the center-back position, which makes him very versatile.

Defense – Leaves a lot of space behind when attacking. Lacks quite some pace. Crossing is also not always up to the mark. Sometimes a bit agressive , can get into squabbles with opponents due to the natural Serbian blood coarsing through his veins.

Career high – Scoring his first and second Chelsea goals against Liverpool will always be remembered by the Chelsea faithful. He scored both of them via a corner as Chelsea won the quarter final tie with an aggregate score of 7-5

Career low – Missing out on the Champions League final of 2012 after being suspended will always be a huge dissappointment to him.

Style – An explosive right-back who loves to attack and get forward when possible but can also be very reliable in defense. He’s got a very long throw in him as well.

Quotes – “Yes. This is one of the most important moments and we all know that” , when asked if the squad should priorities the team over individual issues in 2011.

Trivia – John Terry – 6 ‘1/2 in
Gary Cahill – 6 ‘2 in
David Luiz – 6 ‘2 in
Branislav Ivanovic – 6’2 in