We write reams and reams of stuff on other players, but Ivan hardly gets a mention, yet he is undoubtedly one of our better players and a serious contender for player of the year. Rarely, if ever, man of the match, he gives you 8 out of 10 almost every match. When we were floudering under AVB, he was one of the few that was putting in top-notch performances.
I love this player and I fear we take him for granted sometimes. I hope he makes the PFA team of the year and gets the recognition he deserves. I think I'm right in saying he has been made Serbia captain, in the absence of Vidic.
He is a proper, old-fashioned defender. Hard as nails, strong in the tackle, brave, turns up for big games, puts his head in where it hurts, dependable and committed. He is also very useful going forward. We have unearthed a gem. 28 years old, at his peak, one of the first names on the teamsheet for me.
A most unlike-Chelsea signing, certainly in the Abramovich era. A relatively small fee, under £10m. No blaze of glory or big fanfare. I've always liked him but this season he has cemented his place as one of our most important players. Don't know how long he has left to run on his contract, but I hope it's extended and I hope he gets the financial package he deserves.
With all the rumbling about what went on under AVB, I can't see this player being anything other than committed whoever the manager, and he is a great example to other players, in the sense that you have to earn your spot, it isn't yours by right. He has shown his teammates they can depend on him, that he has a big heart and big balls, and he won't go missing.
Let's hear it for Ivan the Brave ..