Should Branislav Ivanovic continue as Chelsea's right back?

Ivanovic has experience playing in both positions for Chelsea

Chelsea defender, Branislav Ivanovic has been the lion at the heart of Chelsea’s defence in the past few seasons. Having been alternately shifted as a centre back and right back during the former part of his Chelsea career, Ivanovic now plies his trade as a right back.

His marauding runs on the right flank, muscling past players who are faster than him have often ended with delightful crosses which have helped Chelsea increase their attacking prowess.

His aerial ability and the manner in which he fights to keep the ball is also well known, and ‘Bane’, as he is affectionately called by supporters, is a player who never hesitates to throw his body on the line to aid his team. His winning goal in the Europa League final against Benfica portrayed his penchant for scoring vital goals.

Having been signed from Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow, Ivanovic had to wait for 8 months to make his first-team debut. It wasn‘t too long until his quality started to shine through and now he has all but firmly booked his place in Chelsea’s starting XI. Since joining Chelsea, Bane has gone on to make 318 appearances, scoring a respectable 31 goals in the process.

Centre back or right back?

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In the 2008-09 season, Ivanovic played at CB mostly in cup games and home games against ‘weaker opposition’. His performances were nondescript with 9 goals conceded in 10 games.

At RB, the performances he put in were noteworthy, especially his brace against Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League, and the game against Barcelona where he restricted Thierry Henry’s movements in a 0-0 draw. He conceded 9 goals and had 4 clean sheets in 8 games, similar to when he played at CB.

In the 2009-10 season, under the tutelage of Carlo Ancelotti, Ivanovic played a mere 8 games as a CB, which again, were against minor opposition and in Cup games. There were only 4 goals conceded with 5 clean sheets.

However with 35 games at RB, it was clear that he was the first choice player at that position. Notable matches include wins against Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United in the league. His stats stood at 22 goals conceded and 16 clean sheets.

In the 2010-11 season, he was forced to play 29 games as a CB which was due to Ricardo Carvalho being sold. He did well in the Champions League Group Stages and also against mid-table opponents. His stats were a respectable 21 goals conceded with 12 clean sheets. He played just 20 games at RB with 13 goals conceded and 6 clean sheets.

During Andre-Villas Boas’ reign during the 2011-12 season, Brana played 15 games at CB and his stats were disappointing; 19 goals conceded and only a miniscule 2 clean sheets. He played the same number of games at RB, but his stats had improved; 12 goals conceded with 4 clean sheets.

After AVB’s sacking, during the continuation of the famous 2011-12 season (Chelsea won the Champions League that season against all odds), he was deployed by then interim coach Roberto di Matteo as a CB mainly out of necessity, as both David Luiz and Gary Cahill were injured.

His stats were rather miserable: 10 goals conceded with no clean sheets. Due to injuries, Bane could only play 9 matches at the right, but again the stats were better: 5 goals conceded with 3 clean sheets, including the 1-0 Champions League semifinal win at home to Barcelona.

Fast forwarding to the recently concluded 2014-15 season, with Gary Cahill and John Terry at the centre of Chelsea’s defence, Branislav Ivanovic has firmly cemented his place at right back. With 6 goals and 5 assists he has proved his attacking acumen. In fact, he has scored and assisted more than some strikers in the Premier League which is no mean feat. Ivanovic has won 59 tackles, successfully blocked attacks in 3 instances and implemented 29 interceptions. Overall it has been one of the best seasons of his career.

Conclusion:

Ivanovic provides support during attack as well as a goal threat from set pieces

It can clearly be seen that Ivanovic has mainly been played in the centre when other players have been injured or rested and although possessing the bulk and mannerisms of a centre back, he is most effective when on the right. His stats have been much better too, when he has played as a RB and with English pair Terry and Cahill working in tandem at the present, it makes sense for him to continue where he performs best.

Also, when he moves forward with Chelsea on the counter, he is assured with Nemanja Matic slotting in as the third centre back to restore defensive balance. Being adept at getting into dangerous positions, the Serbian bull portrays the perfect right back. His goals often prove to be match winning, like the one he scored in the 2-1 win at Aston Villa simply go to prove how indispensable he is to the team.

However, he does have his share of defensive lapses; at times his failure to track back opposition players sometimes ends in goals being given up, but considering the relatively new attacking type of play Chelsea are trying to implement such errors are understandable.

At times, he has also been involved in altercations resulting in suspensions and penalties being conceded, but this number has reduced in the last season with only one red card being awarded to the Serb.

All in all, Branislav Ivanovic is a perfect fit for Chelsea on the right, and with no signs of stopping at the age of 31, he still has a few years of quality left in him.