31. Branislav Ivanovic: 2009-Present
Branislav Ivanovic may not be a favorite at Stamford Bridge these days because of his poor play, but the bulky right-back has been a giant for Chelsea FC. Joining the club in 2009 for £9 million as a relatively unknown player, he made no impact in his first season and made no first team appearances.
The following season he was linked with moves to Italy and even entered negotiations with Fiorentina in January but the club decided against selling him. Just a few months later under manager Guus Hiddink, Ivanovic finally came to life for the Blues. Against Liverpool in the Champions League quarterfinals, Ivanovic scored two powerful headers to give Chelsea a commanding 3-1 first-leg lead.
It was under Carlo Ancelotti that Ivanovic finally became a first team regular and established himself as one of the best right-backs in England. He was named to the 2009-10 PFA Team of the Year at the right-back position and went on to do so again in 2014-15.
Ivanovic became known for scoring timely goals almost as much as he was for his defending. He often saved those goals for big occasions or as winners in the league. He scored the winning goal in the 2013 Europa League Final against Benfica in stoppage time and also scored the winner against Liverpool in the League Cup semifinals in 2015.
The Serbian defender never had the pace usually required to be a fullback and his crossing leaves much to be desired, but he has used his tremendous power and reading of the game to win battles against tricky wingers. His powers may be waning at this point but he is a true Chelsea great and loves the club as much as the supporters love him.
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