It is so agonising to see a complete defender like Branislav Ivanovic warming the bench and being severely ignored at Chelsea. A key figure under every manager prior to the appointment of Antonio Conte, the Blues have undergone a series of technical and tactical ramifications ever since the new reign kicked in. Most notable of them all has been the implementation of a three-man defence, something that has redefined the entire thought process of Chelsea.
The Serbian international was one of the victims of this change as he has seen himself fall behind in the pecking order after the return of David Luiz back to Stamford Bridge. In the 3-5-2 formation advocated by Conte, the trio of Gary Cahill, Cesar Azpilicueta and Luiz have been given the nods for the starting berth and the likes of Ivanovic and John Terry have had very little to contribute. So far this season, the Serbian international could muster merely 13 appearances in the league, most of which have either been from the bench or at the initial stages of the season.
It would be harsh not to highlight that the former Lokomotiv Moscow full-back still has at least a couple years of top tier football still left in him and it would be absolutely pathetic and absurd to let him become obsolete due to the lack of game time.
Apparently, West Bromwich Albion are believed to be interested in luring this marauding defender to the Hawthorns as they prepare to finish the season as high as they possibly can. Would it be correct to utter that the Baggies are in a hot pursuit of signing a wrong player? Frankly speaking, it would be a terribly inept statement.
Not many in the game possess the experience that Ivanovic does. He was a key player for Lokomotiv Moscow and he went on to become one of the best players during the Pensioners’ golden period. With 376 Premier League games under his belt, he has found the back of the net for as many as 32 times, has assisted 33 times and has won a Champions League, two Premier Leagues, 3 FA Cups and 1 League Cup with the Blues.
Ivanovic is a proven veteran in the top tier of English football and if Tony Pulis gets him, he can go on to become a stupendous impetus for his troops. He has truckloads of experience and despite failing to get into the scheme of things in Conte’s tactical system, he is still a prized asset and thus, it would not be wrong to say that acquiring him would be a very sound and solid move from West Bromwich Albion.
