RAMIRES

Ramires Santos do Nascimento joined Chelsea in August 2010 from Portuguese side Benfica for a fee in the region of £17 million.

He played for Joinville and Cruzeiro in Brazil, twice winning the Campeonato Mineiro state championship with the latter, and he represented his country at the 2008 Olympics and helped the Selecao to Confederations Cup success the following year.

He also moved to Europe in 2009, earning a move to Benfica for £6.25 million, and excelled in his debut season, helping the club to a league and cup double. He was part of the Brazil squad at the 2010 World Cup, and impressed despite the country’s surprise exit at the quarter-final stage.

After the tournament, Ramires secured his move to Stamford Bridge. He took time to adapt to the English game, and ended his first season without any silverware before struggling at the disastrous 2011 Copa America with Brazil and lost his place in the side soon afterwards.

However, he showed his worth for Chelsea in the 2011-12 campaign, most notably scoring a stunning goal to help the Blues to victory over Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final second leg, though he was ruled out of the final through suspension.

In July 2012, his fine form was rewarded when Brazil boss Mano Menezes recalled him to the side.

Strengths: Hard working, fast, strong and with the ability to dribble and attack on the counter, he is a superb all-rounder.

Weaknesses: He does not have the range of passing of the most celebrated Brazilian stars.

Career high: His success with Benfica in 2010 is a contender, but scoring at the Camp Nou to send Chelsea on their way to Champions League glory may have eclipsed it.

Career low: He missed out on the 2010 World Cup quarter-final and the 2012 Champions League final due to suspension, but the 2011 Copa America may represent his lowest point.

Style: An energetic, all-action midfielder.

Quotes: ”He is a fantastic player. He will be the future of the Brazil national team and I hope he will be the future of Chelsea.” Carlo Ancelotti, August 2010.

Trivia: He was given the nickname Queniano Azul, or Blue Kenyan, referring to Cruzeiro’s team colour and his physical appearance.