Branislav Ivanovic

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Ivan is a better at RB than given credit for, he was the best in the league under Carlo so it's a bit unfair to say he's a CB playing there. I agree Azpi's the better option in this current day weighing it up however.

Under Carlo Ash was the best LB in the world

Under Carlo we played formation that did not require him to come out and stop crosses or play one-vs-one against wingers (not in the diamond formation or even Christmas tree formation where he had Kalou in front of him always tracking back). He's absolutely terrific when he stays in the box, which is why he did superbly well in big games last season where we where more conservative in defense.

[Cosmin 2,484]

I'm a beard lover... sport a beard and you'll have my attention and more likely my love.

But what.the.actual.freak.is.this Iva?

and why is it so much darker than his hair?

I've been struggling in order to make my beard grow for like one year already and it's still messy as hell. I can't believe Brana got it so big and nice in just a few months. Hope it's fake. Still, I love that look of him.

[The Chels 2,502]

I've been struggling in order to make my beard grow for like one year already and it's still messy as hell. I can't believe Brana got it so big and nice in just a few months. Hope it's fake. Still, I love that look of him.

He's shaved it off now lol

[Barbara 15,149]

where did his display pic - the one in a red shirt (I suppose Serbia's?) come from? It's weird when you click current players and you see wearing that when he's been wearing our Blue for so long...

[Tomo 21,751]

Under Carlo Ash was the best LB in the world

Under Carlo we played formation that did not require him to come out and stop crosses or play one-vs-one against wingers (not in the diamond formation or even Christmas tree formation where he had Kalou in front of him always tracking back). He's absolutely terrific when he stays in the box, which is why he did superbly well in big games last season where we where more conservative in defense.

Ash was the best LB in the world but isn't no more, nevertheless he is still a LB. I find it harsh that a player who was once the best RB in the prem regularly (as good as) gets branded a fraud in that position (he was actually good at crossing back then, when he had Drogba, Flo, Kalou, Lamps and Ballack getting on the end of them, coincidence?). Maybe the system helped, but the system only helps players so much, the rest is down to them.

[lucio 5,418]

"We always felt that Filipe was a very stable player and one which gave us multi-solutions because I can play Azpi right-back and Ivanovic centre-back because of Filipe."

this is good news. ivan continuing at rb, was one of the things i feared. same with cech playing over courtois, and lukaku leaving.

[Kieran. 6,317]

I think Ivanovic is gonna knock Cahill to 3rd string CB by December.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

I think Ivanovic is gonna knock Cahill to 3rd string CB by December.

Big call mate! But I hope you're right because I fear complacency in this defence actually, Ivanovic will definitely keep competition to its maximum in a positive way for sure

[Henrique 9,133]

I always thought Ivanovic was a very good CB. Terry + Ivanovic is our ideal partnership.

[BlueLyon 9,359]

This guy is reason why we dont need another CB. But we need another fullback who can play both sides or atl least left one.

I cant see Iva being our first choice backup CB and RB, while Azpi being our regular RB and backup for LB. This guys need a break too and if Luis or Terry/Cahill gets injured, Iva will have to jump in and then we dont have SINGLE CB or fullback left on bench!!! I wouldnt count Zouma or Ake as they are both realy realy young and inexperienced.

[Jase 43,479]

I think Ivanovic is gonna knock Cahill to 3rd string CB by December.

If he doesn't, then what are you gonna do?

[Kieran. 6,317]

If he doesn't, then what are you gonna do?

Get a tattoo that says I Love Jason & His Cats on my back.

[DH1988 1,348]

Great chance to be 3rd CB or even displace Cahill (Very difficult) however Zouma is just too raw right now, all the signs to be a good/great CB, physically however the head just isn't there right now due to age/experience/concentration

People under-estimate concentration so much, rarely is Terry caught out of position, exc. pre-season

[zyzz 711]

Absolute beast today. Involved in all 3 goals and what a great pass to cesc for the 2nd goal. Thumbs up

[The only place to be 11,313]

What a surprise....when he has players making runs for him he actually gets forward well.

Absolutely fantastic in defence and attack.