Ivanovic Claims Ba Is Key To Chelsea Success - Here's Why I Disagree

We are often subjected to professional footballers who big up their team-mates and big up their performances whether they deserve the plaudits or not, so when Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic claimed that Demba Ba can have a big effect on the Blues's season, I took it with a pinch of salt. Then, I thought I would ignore the fact that he's scored just once in the Premier League season and have a wider look at his performances to see if Ivanovic had a point.

The former Newcastle man has made five appearances this season for Jose Mourinho's side but has struggled to find any sort of form.

He has claimed an assist and made an addition two passes, but his individual duels have disappointed hugely. He has won just one of his attempted take ons this season and 5/11 of his headers, while his pass completion also needs to be upped.

From Samuel Eto'o, Fernando Torres and Ba, the latter sits in the middle in terms of shot accuracy, but he sometimes finds it hard to link up with the creative outlets Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Oscar.

He's not the quickest, he's not the best with his feet and his confidence looks low, but he showed against Southampton what he is capable of and it will be up to Jose Mourinho to sort that out. Sadly, I feel as though he will be shipped out in the new year.