The REAL Branislav Ivanovic finally stands up

When Branislav Ivanovic signed for Chelsea back in early 2008 many Blues fans responded with cries of ‘who?!’ The Serb became Avram Grant’s second signing of the January transfer window after the Israeli had secured the services of Nicholas Anelka and for £9 million; he appeared to be somewhat of an unglamorous signing to a club full of high-profile names. Ivanovic met many Chelsea fans expectations by fulfilling a back-up role within the squad, featuring in Carling Cup encounters and providing cover for the first choice backline. Yet the Serb, who partners Manchester United star Nemanja Vidic for his nation, has sprung to prominence recently and is now playing an integral role in Chelsea’s bid for silverware.

Ivanovic’s first season was all about steady progress and adapting to the Premier League as, with all due respect, playing against the likes of Roman Pavlyuchenko in the Russian League does not rival the formidable attacks of Fernando Torres, Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie. Ivanovic settled into the Premier League quietly, he was by no means a liability to Chelsea, but his performances did not stop the press either, he was one to go about his business and provide adequate cover when needed.  That was until one fateful night at Anfield.

A Champions League Quarter-Final with bitter European rivals Liverpool sounds like a good time to make a name for yourself doesn’t it? It certainly did for Ivanovic whose two goals all but saw Chelsea into the Semi-Finals (but we won’t talk about what happened there). Liverpool’s defence were guilty of what much of the Premier League was also guilty of; ignoring Ivanovic. The Serb was allowed to twice ghost past the Reds defence to head home a corner, stunning both sets of fans inside Anfield. In the following Premier League game against Bolton, Ivanovic was met with sarcastic, yet respectful cries of ‘We’ve got Ivanovic’ from the Stamford Bridge faithful and it was clear to all that the Serb had a chance to stake a claim for a regular spot in the Chelsea side.

Ivanovic has since proved to be a very valuable member of the Chelsea squad. His versatility has meant that he can fit in anywhere along the backline, making him first choice in the event of injuries. He adapts well to situations, meaning that if things aren’t going Chelsea’s way in a game and need switching around, then Ivanovic can move anywhere in defensive, allowing for other changes in tactics and personnel.

Under new manager Carlo Ancelotti, Ivanovic has tussled with Portuguese international José Bosingwa for the right back spot, a battle that Ivanovic has won for the time being, due to the former Porto man’s lengthy spell on the sidelines.  You would be forgiven for thinking that Chelsea will have lost a distinctive attacking threat in Bosingwa, and although they have to an extent, this is the feature of Ivanovic that has most impressed me this season. Knowing that Chelsea like to utilise their full backs, he has adapted his game, embracing an attacking side that had not been seen previously from the Serb. In the ‘Battle of the Bridge’ against title contenders Manchester United, Ivanovic was the fulcrum of many of Chelsea’s attacks, with the right hand flank being exploited to its maximum potential.

The Serb has proved to be the wildcard in Chelsea’s squad. We should not forget that it was Avram Grant who signed him and the Portsmouth manager deserves credit for what has turned out to be a valuable signing for the West London club. Admittedly Ivanovic is no John Terry but he is the kind of player that is beneficial to any squad looking to challenge for silverware. I am one person who believes that José Bosingwa is not going to have an easy task reclaiming his position when he returns from injury, especially if Ivanovic continues his rich spell of form.