Is Branislav Ivanovic's Long-Term Chelsea Future at Centre-Back?

Chelsea find themselves in a state of flux. The club has yet to officially appoint a new manager ahead of next season, and in terms of the ins and outs we can expect this summer, the only concrete move is set to be the departure of John Terry.

The Chelsea captain announced in January that the club would not be offering him a new contract beyond this season. Despite Chelsea suggesting no final decision has been made in that regard, per Sky Sports, it does mean there is a substantial void that must be filled at the heart of defence.

Or is there?

Terry's recent hamstring injury couldn't have come at a more opportune time for the Blues. With Kurt Zouma also sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee injury, it's given Branislav Ivanovic the chance to step in and showcase his credentials to be Terry's replacement.

The pre-season experiments managers often indulge themselves in have been played out in front of live stadium audiences in real-time situations with Ivanovic leading a makeshift back line. He's even been wearing the armband, taking on Terry's role completely.

In terms of planning ahead, Chelsea have had it forced upon them. Yet things have looked encouraging, which couldn't be said for how Ivanovic started the campaign.

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From the outset of this season, the Serb has looked a fading force at right-back. Swansea City's Jefferson Montero wreaked havoc on the flanks on the opening day in August, and it was a sign of how things would turn out.

Indeed, it set the tone for where Chelsea's season was headed—not just Ivanovic's. The Premier League's landscape has shifted dramatically, with a lack of strengthening in key areas meaning the Blues haven't been able to react sufficiently.

There have been moments when they have hinted at rediscovering their prowess, but much like Ivanovic, the team hasn't hit those levels consistently.

It's as a centre-back where we've seen the Ivanovic renaissance, however. Without having to track pacey wingers and midfield runners, he has looked more at ease. The Serbian has been able to play with the game in front of him, relying more on his defensive ability.

The past month or so has probably saved his Chelsea career, despite the fact he only signed a one-year contract extension in December.

Ivanovic has staved off the challenge from Cesar Azpilicueta at right-back this long, but there has been more than a hint of time catching up with him. Azpilicueta is more dynamic and suited to the modern game at full-back, whereas Ivanovic's age suggests he will continue to struggle with the physical demands.

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At 32, it's his vast experience and maturity that are Ivanovic's biggest assets now. We can't look outside of that, which means moving back to his natural position in the centre represents a logical progression.

We've seen that recently, with his reading of the game and positional sense helping Chelsea through a difficult period. Guus Hiddink has been forced to think on his feet with team selection, deploying either Baba Rahman or Kenedy at left-back.

It's meant there has been little room for manoeuvre at what's been the most crucial stage of the season. Without an experienced left-back, Chelsea needed strength elsewhere, and Ivanovic has helped provide that.

Conceding the goals they did against Paris Saint-Germain—where intelligent runs in behind the back four proved Chelsea's undoing across both legs—tells us it hasn't been perfect. Yet Hiddink's side has coped enough to give encouragement.

With a bit more balance and time playing together, that last-16 UEFA Champions League tie may have been different.

Chelsea's season ending as early as it has—they have no opportunity of lifting silverware now their FA Cup and Champions League runs have come to an end—has been a big disappointment. Looking more long term, there is reason to be feeling positive.

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The club has been presented with a solution post-Terry. Ivanovic will not serve for the club for another decade, but his performances at centre-back mean the need to replace Terry isn't as drastic.

Ivanovic can be the building block for the next defensive leader to come through. That means any of Jake Clarke-Salter, Matt Miazga and Andreas Christensen being afforded more time to develop their game to the point they can be phased in.

The alternative prior to Ivanovic's move into the centre was spending big on a player from elsewhere as an immediate solution.

It's those sort of decisions that have damaged this Chelsea squad. It's also impeded the development of youth-team players, whose progress must be gradual.

Calling Ivanovic a stopgap to allow that to happen would be doing him a disservice, although he can play a big role in helping Chelsea realise their ambition of nurturing their undoubted talent at junior level while strengthening the senior side in the process.

Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @garryhayes.