South American Futbol - Libertadores, Sudamericana, World Cup 2010

Rise To Prominence

Brazil continues to produce some of the finest footballers in the world and the latest prospect of a new crop of talent to emerge from the football-mad nation is exciting attacking midfielder Ramires. Since switching from little-known Joinville to Belo Horizonte giants Cruzeiro in 2007 the Rio de Janeiro-born player has demonstrated his undisputed quality, and such impressive performances meant that it was just a matter of time before he would earn himself a call-up to the Brazilian national team.

After featuring four times for Brazil as they claimed the bronze medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, only earlier in June did Ramires make his first appearance for the senior national team. Under the guidance of Carlos Dunga Ramires came on as substitute in the World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in Montevideo and proved his worth as the Selecao thumped the locals 4-0.

Ramires For The World To See

In the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Ramires has been as impressive, and although little was known about him outside of South America prior to the tournament, his performances have caught the imagination of the world.

Ramires featured in all three of Brazil’s group games, and was particularly impressive in the 3-0 win over the United States. The midfielder displayed his quality during this game, and many believe he may have cemented himself a starting role in Dunga’s strong starting XI for the future. With the 2010 World Cup just around the corner Ramires has the opportunity to fight for a place in Brazil’s squad for the tournament. But first he will be hoping to help the five-time World Champions triumph at the Confederations Cup.

South American football fans had already been provided with a glimpse of his talent during the 2009 Copa Libertadores, South America’s biggest club competition. Ramires was in top-form as Cruzeiro reached the knock-out phase in style, as not only did he demonstrate his agility, speed and determination, but his unique eye for goal. As well as this Ramires showed that he is strong in the tackle, and his defensive skills make him a complete midfielder.

The fact that he was called up to the Selecao for the Confederations Cup means he hasn’t been able to help Cruzeiro in the decisive stages of the Copa Libertadores, but The Fox have reached the semi-finals of the competition where they will face fellow Brazilians Gremio on Wednesday. If Cruzeiro manage to progress to the final, Ramires is likely to return to the side and will surely be hoping to leave Cruzeiro as a continental champion.

What The Future Holds

Ramires agreed to join Portuguese super club Benfica for €7.5 million in May, a transfer that will surely be a huge investment for the club. His quality and the likelihood of him becoming an integral part of the Brazilian national team for many years to come suggests that when he moves to an even bigger European club he will be sold for a much greater value. Ramires promises to make an impact in European football, because of his temperament and his rare characteristics.

Nicknamed both “The Blue Bugs Bunny” and the “Blue Kenyan” by Cruzeiro fans for his fragile build and electrifying speed, Ramires is destined for world-wide stardom. One factor that might affect his adaptation to European football once he arrives there however, is his lack of physical presence, but the midfielder has already been working on this and as the months go by he is likely to be bigger and stronger. Essentially this will further increase his ability on the football field.

Ramires may only have just arrived on the world stage, but the midfielder is destined for great things with both club and country. The possibility to play in Europe next season will undoubtedly help the player mature and if he is able to turn on the style with Benfica he is likely to be rewarded with a World Cup place. At only 22 it is fair to say that Ramires has the world at his feet.

Player Details

Full name: Ramires Santos do Nascimento
Position: Midfielder
Date of Birth: March 24, 1987 (22)
Place of Birth: Barra do Pirai, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Height: 1.79m
Weight: 65 kg
Clubs: Joinville, Cruzeiro, Benfica

Gregory Sica

Goal.com

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