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Welcome to ESPN FC's #PremRank.

ESPN FC is counting down the top 50 players in the Premier League right now, as voted for by various columnists, editors and analysts. Who makes the cut? Disagree with our list? Tell us on Twitter using the hashtag #PremRank.

Why Branislav Ivanovic makes the list

"He is one of the big players of this generation for Chelsea, and it is almost like he chose his moment to have a big performance or score a goal. Iva is a big-occasion player." The words of Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho aptly sum up the story of a defender whose first few months at the club did little to suggest that he would enjoy such an extended run as a Blues first-team star.

Considered not fit enough to play during Avram Grant's time as Chelsea boss, Ivanovic has more than proved his worth in the years since. As Mourinho pointed out, the Serbian tends to save his goal contributions to the Chelsea cause for the biggest of moments, and he followed that script once again this season. A winning header in the Capital One Cup semifinal against Liverpool and an away goal against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last-16 tie were two notable strikes from this campaign. His consistency is arguably his finest asset, and the occasions when Ivanovic has had a poor game since his arrival at the club in 2008 can be counted on the digits of one hand.
-- Kevin Palmer

The stats that tell the story

-- Took 44 shots this season, nine more than any other defender in the Premier League.
-- Scored four goals, trailing only John Terry among defenders. His three Premier League goals from open play were the most of any defender.

What the experts say

"... leads all right-sided Prem defenders with 29 shot attempts, illustrating his fearlessness going forward. At the same time, Ivanovic is a physical defender who is strong in his tackles and can be trusted to mark the best attackers in the league." -- Adrinan Melville

"The soft-spoken defender is anything but quiet on the pitch, and his indomitable spirit has long won over the Chelsea faithful." -- Phil Lythell

"Ivanovic has the blend of physical, mental and technical skill that Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho values." -- Richard Jolly

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