Branislav Ivanovic has had a relatively eventful career for Chelsea. Since signing for them in January 2008, the serb has been one of the club's most consistent players, and has made the right-back spot his own. At only 29 years old, the defender looks set to hold the position for years to come, but will he?
Branislav Ivanovic has had a hard season
On paper it looks like Ivanovic has a good chance, he has good all-round attributes and carries a goal threat, scoring 8 goals last season, the most for a defender in the Premier League. He has also been at Chelsea for 6 years now and has a good understanding with fellow defensive stalwarts John Terry, Petr Cech and Ashley Cole.
However, Ivanovic has had some fairly lacklustre performances this season, none more so than when Chelsea lost 3-2 to Stoke City, with the serb culpable for at least one of Stoke's goals. Peter Crouch, the Stoke striker showed him up that day, and Ivanovic does tend to have a weakness against strong targetman.
Will Branislav Ivanovic stay with Chelsea?
Overall though, Ivanovic is a true unsung hero and perhaps does not get the credit he deserves, although his quiet, unfussy manner is possibly the best way for a defender to go about his work. Ivanovic may be entering the early autumn of his career, but his qualities show no sign of waning. With no realistic challenges for his spot, Ivanovic looks like a starter for Chelsea for some years yet.
Branislav Ivanovic season 2012/13
