BRANISLAV IVANOVIC

A versatile defender, Ivanovic has emerged as a dependable player at Chelsea after being an unknown when arriving at Stamford Bridge. Ivanovic is an outstanding all-purpose defender, equally comfortable whether deployed as a stopper or shuttling back and forth in the right-back slot.

Ivanovic played for FK Srem and OFK Beograd early in his career before being signed by Lokomotiv Moscow in 2006. It was with Lokomotiv that he cemented his place in the Serbia side.

He captained Serbia to the final of the 2007 European Under-21 Championship, and he was also named in UEFA’s Team of the Tournament. He made his full international debut for the former Serbia & Montenegro in the summer of 2005 in a friendly against Italy played in Canada.

He moved to Chelsea in January 2008 in a transfer that largely went under the radar, though the Russian club reported the deal was worth £9.7 million. He did not appear for the Blues until the 2008-09 campaign and he proved his reliability in an auxiliary role.

He has since gone on to become an established first-team player under several different managers and his performances have led to links with clubs including Real Madrid.

Strengths: Strong in the air, the tackle and a threat at set-pieces.

Weaknesses: Lacks pace and, at times, concentration.

Career high: Scoring twice against Liverpool at Anfield to help Chelsea through to the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2008-09.

Career low: Missing out on the 2012 Champions League final due to the yellow card he picked up in the semi-final second leg against Barcelona.

Style: A versatile player who can fit in on the right of the defence or at centre back, Ivanovic is a dependable and highly regarded defender.

Quotes: “When you join a club like Chelsea and then find it hard to get games, it can be tough, but he has been determined in training and shown a good mentality.” Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink after Ivanovic’s double against Liverpool in April 2009.

Trivia: His father Rade was a former professional football at FK Srem, where Branislav began his career.