Nemanja Matic named Serbian footballer of the year

One imagines that Serbian Footballer of the Year will be dominated by Chelsea for a few years yet, but Branislav Ivanovic isn't going to have it all his own way. The fullback, who won both the 2012 and 2013 editions, has been unseated this time around ... but the award's not leaving Stamford Bridge:

Nemanja Matic has been named the 2014 Serbian footballer of the year. Well deserved, he's been a rock for both club and country.

— Serbian Football (@SerbianFooty) November 25, 2014

Matic has followed up a very strong year in Portugal with an even better one in England. The midfielder's been an absolute rock in the centre of our pitch, and has been a big part in Chelsea being able to unleash the attack this season without compromising our defensive structure. In other words, the 26-year-old is a thoroughly deserving winner, and I wouldn't rule out back-to-back wins if we continue our good run into 2015.

Anyway, congratulations.