Praise for Chelsea defenders in the past normally goes to John Terry, but Ryan Giggs has claimed that it was a former full-back who was one of his toughest opponents.
The Blues built a defence no one wanted to play against when Jose Mourinho was in charge. Terry and co are still very proud of their goals conceded record from the 2004/05 season.
They moved with the times too, adding Ashley Cole and Branislav Ivanovic to their ranks as they continued to look to dominate at the back.
QUARTER-FINAL 1: Liam Rosenior vs Frank Lampard
Ryan Giggs names Branislav Ivanovic as one of his toughest opponents
The Serbian is often an underrated member of the Chelsea squad despite winning three Premier League titles and a host of trophies, including the Champions League.
Giggs is more than aware of how good Ivanovic is though. He told Peek’s TikTok page that Ivanovic was one of the toughest opponents he came up against.
Ian MacNicol Archive
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
He said: “And then into the 2000s, Ivanovic for Chelsea, again, aggressive, he loved to get forward, even though he was sometimes a centre-half, really physically strong, and he gambled.
“When I’d get the ball they’d dive straight in, and if they didn’t win it, they’d take me down, so they were difficult to play against.”
Ivanovic was named in Chelsea’s team of the 2010s by Blues fans after his legendary career, beating Cesar Azpilicueta to the accolade.
How many points will we pick up here?
And will it be enough to save Liam Rosenior’s job?
He was actually originally signed as a centre-back, however his ability going forwards was something the club needed to get more out of, eventually shifting him to right-back.
Ivanovic scored 34 and assisted 34 goals in his nine years at the club, coming not too far away from Terry’s immense tally at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s illustrious run of defensive stars throughout the years will always see some fly under the radar, but it is nice to hear Ivanovic getting his flowers from a Premier League legend.
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