Ivanovic arrived from Lokomotiv Moscow in the January of 2008 and quickly gained a spot in the line up which he holds indefinitely. The defender - who captains his native Serbia - can play at right back or centre back, although his primary position is right full back. Built to withstand force and enough pace to keep him goal-side of any attacker, Ivanovic is a tough opponent. Arguably one of the finest defenders of the Premier League era, the Serbian has been named in the PFA Team of the Year in two of seasons at Stamford Bridge. Even following the signing of right back Cesar Azpilicueta from Marseille in 2012, Ivanovic held his position, with Ashley Cole losing his place at left back to the Spanish defender. Ivanovic continues to play an integral part in the Blues' defence, in the past season appearing in every single match, and winning the League Cup and Premier League title along the way. In 2012 Ivanovic claimed his first Champions League winners' medal, although not actually playing in the final against Bayern Munich due to suspension. The following season, Ivanovic scored the winning header in the 2013 Europa League final against Benfica. Mourinho is an admirer of the player, referring to him as a "competitive animal" and one of the club's best signings. The Chelsea manager can rely on the defender in a number of goals, being known to deploy the right back in a forward position when in need of a goal. With intelligent play and a beastly physique, Ivanovic warrants his inclusion with Chelsea's hardest.
An admiration for the arrogant personalities in football. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Diego Simeone, even Joey Barton. If you were to ask who I'd rather have in my team, Messi or Ronaldo? The latter.
Chelsea FC writer for WhatCulture Sport.
Newcastle United fan.
