Playing for 90
Fansided

Chelsea FC’s Predicted Starting Lineup 2016/2017

By Tyler Strauss

(Top L-R) Chelsea's Bosnian goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, Chelsea's French defender Kurt Zouma, Chelsea's Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic, Chelsea's English defender John Terry and Chelsea's Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa (bottom L-R) Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Oscar, Chelsea's Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea's Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman, Chelsea's Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Ramires and Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Willian pose before a UEFA Chamions league group stage football match between Chelsea and Dynamo Kiev at Stamford Bridge stadium in west London on November 4, 2015. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
(Top L-R) Chelsea's Bosnian goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, Chelsea's French defender Kurt Zouma, Chelsea's Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic, Chelsea's English defender John Terry and Chelsea's Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa (bottom L-R) Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Oscar, Chelsea's Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea's Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman, Chelsea's Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Ramires and Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Willian pose before a UEFA Chamions league group stage football match between Chelsea and Dynamo Kiev at Stamford Bridge stadium in west London on November 4, 2015. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 13
Next
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 19: Branislav Ivanovic (R) of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on December 19, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 19: Branislav Ivanovic (R) of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on December 19, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

Branislav Ivanovic

It’s widely accepted that the Serbian defender didn’t have his best season in Chelsea blue this year. He struggled, especially when deployed on the right of Chelsea’s defense. He was often worked over by pacy wingers, starting with Swansea’s Freddy Montero on the first day of the campaign.

However, when switching to centre back, his favored position, he’s looked quite better. He seems more at home, utilizing his ability to read the game, rather than always finding himself chasing the back of a winger.

In a new system, he can play in the center and read the game, while also finding support from a wing back and another centre back. His leadership will allow Chelsea to be strong in the back and Ivanovic can be properly utilized.

Chelsea offered him a new one year deal a few months ago. They’ll want to use him and I believe at Right Centre Back, he’ll be the most successful.

Next: Centre Back

Home/Chelsea FC