Ivanovic Tipped To Be A Premiership Star

[Steve 10,227]

Branislav Ivanovic will be a big hit at Chelsea, according to Birmingham striker Garry O'Connor, who knows the Blues new defensive addition well from their time together at Lokomotiv Moscow.

O'Connor insists that he always knew that his former teammate would find his way to one of Europe's elite teams and, after the £9million move was sprung this week, he suggested that the only surprise to him was that it took this long for a big team to move for Ivanovic. "Branislav is a fantastic player. He is a young boy (23) but I always knew he would end up in a world class game," said the Birmingham forward.

"I think he will be suited to this league. He is an athlete, is strong and powerful and he can play with the ball.

"He has got everything in his game. He is a really good player and its been a really good capture by Chelsea to get him.

"I think he will take his chance with both hands and it is a fantastic opportunity for him to come to Chelsea and play in the best league in the world. I am sure he will take it in his stride.

"He is a confident lad and I am just glad he is here in England. He can be a big star over here.

"I think his best position is right-back. He was a fantastic player for Lokomotiv. I am not sure why it never happened earlier, his move, but he will come to England and be a positive signing for Chelsea."

O'Connor might not have to wait long to get a chance to measure himself against his mate. His side play host to Chelsea at St Andrews on Saturday still buzzing from their unlikely draw against Arsenal last round.

Source: Goal

[Gianfranco_Z 202]

Wish him luck, but it's going to be very hard for him with JT, Riccy and Alex already in the frame.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Well, knowing our luck, John Terry will suffer cruciate damage on his comeback from injury and Ricardo will be handed a fifty match ban off the FA for passing over the half way line, so we may be seeing him very soon.

[True_Blue 469]

I belive he will prove to be a great sucess,let hope he doesn't end up like Ben Haim and Boulahrouz that would be sad and a waste of money.

[Steve 10,227]

I belive he will prove to be a great sucess,let hope he doesn't end up like Ben Haim and Boulahrouz that would be sad and a waste of money.

lets hope this doesnt happy because that would be sad for him and for us, but i cant see it happening he is a really classy player and i cant wait to see him playing for us

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Don't expect to see him anytime soon, he hasn't played competitive football since November.

[Mungii 3]

BUt maybe he can get chanse against Everton in Carling Cup

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Why? We have Belletti on form and Alex and Ricardo are playing well together.

[Mungii 3]

just to try him...

Edited January 20, 2008 by Mungii

[DavidEU 2,023]

He won't play for a week or two yet guys.

The Russian season ends at the beginning of November, so he hasn't played for a while.

I'd say we might see him on the bench vs Wigan or Reading.

[Steve 10,227]

i dont really mind when he played but atm im happy with the defence and i dont think we should risk bringing him into the squad

[BlueLion. 21,491]

i dont really mind when he played but atm im happy with the defence and i dont think we should risk bringing him into the squad

Spot on. It works as it is.

[Aesthetic Relic 301]

The difference about Ivanovic and Boula is that Ivanovic was being hunted by many top clubs who wanted his signature and is reguarded as a player who is going to be making a real name for himself over the next few years.

Its about time we got these types of players in now instead of 4-5 years down the line paying well over the odds for them. He'll get his chance, but not just yet. Theres plenty of time to get him used to the squad as were not exactly short on defenders atm. If its not broke and all that. :thumbsup:

[True_Blue 469]

Well i belive this deal was ''done'' way back so he should have kept himself in form.He should just play a few matches with the lads to get to know their play better and that should be it.

[EskWeston 696]

It would look as though for this season at least he will be utilised as a right back. He will need a bit of time to get used to training with the team and getting his fitness level up.

[EskWeston 696]

New Chelsea signing Branislav Ivanovic is more than impressed with what he has seen at Stamford Bridge and is hoping he can repeat the impact on the Premier League made by compatriot Nemanja Vidic.

The 23-year-old signed for Chelsea last week from Lokomotiv Moscow in a deal worth just under £10million.

"My first impressions are fascinating," Ivanovic told Serbian TV B92

"I haven't seen much but everything until now is just phenomenal."

Vidic has made a huge impression at Manchester United, since he moved from Russian football, and Ivanovic is hoping to take something from his experiences.

"I haven't spoken to Nemanja Vidic in recent days, but he managed to explain to me several things from before," he said.

"He warned me that I am facing a very difficult start, but as time goes by, it should become more easy.

"I have a period of adaptation in front of me that I must pass as quick as possible."

Ivanovic's first hurdle is to get up to match fitness as the Russian season finished in November.

"I haven't trained with a team for a month, but I have worked regularly by myself. That's why I am not in full shape, so I would need to wait some time."

Source: Sky Sports

[EskWeston 696]

New signing Branislav Ivanovic completed his first training session at Cobham today since signing from Lokomotiv Moscow last week.

The defender, 23, took part in a full session alongside his new team-mates, including Avram Grant's other January capture Nicolas Anelka as they prepare for the trip to Everton in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg on Wednesday evening.

Ivanovic joined up with the squad following a break at the end of the Russian season which finished in November.

'I've been training individually and I am hoping to get into peak condition as quickly as possible,' he said after his signing. 'Of course I am not at my possible peak but with training, it will come.'

Today marked the first step in that process and Ivanovic will now be aiming to gain a place in the side during the second half of the season.

[We Hate Scouse 10,289]

I'm really excited about him, he looks really good in the youtube video's. He reminds me a little of John Terry.