Branislav Ivanovic is nowhere near the Chelsea XI these days so why would Everton make a move?
There is a reason why Branislav Ivanovic went from undisputed starter to forgotten man in the space of just a few months.
Torn apart by Jefferson Montero on the opening day of the 2015/16 campaign, Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Swansea City felt like a seminal moment for the long-serving Serb.
A la Gary Neville’s heavy-legged, error-strewn performance against West Bromwich Albion and Jerome Thomas on New Year’s Day 2011 – a performance which convinced him to hang up his boots with immediate effect – Ivanovic against the Swans appeared to confirm that his days at the top of the English game were over.
However, the 32-year-old still managed another 32 Premier League starts under Jose Mourinho and latterly Guus Hiddink before Antonio Conte put him out of his misery, switching to a three-man defence and instilling Victor Moses as a powerful, energetic right-wing-back.
Therefore, this all makes Everton’s interest, as reported by the Daily Mail, all the more baffling. Especially when they are looking to replace Phil Jagielka, an ageing defender well past his best. After all, Ivanovic is in the same boat.
Yet, you can see why Ronald Koeman may harbour an interest.
Ivanovic is a serial winner, a man whose silver-coated CV includes two Premier League titles. In a squad blessed with young talent, the Serbian’s leadership and experience could make a huge impact off the pitch.
On it, however, Ivanovic’s ability to impact games and make those typical runs down the flank appear well behind him. Everton need a reliable, solid defender with years left in the tank and, in truth, Ivanovic fails to tick any box.
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