Samba magic at Stamford Bridge

The Brazilian national football team has probably been the most renowned team in the game for the last thirty years or so. They are the five time World Cup winners as well as the five time Copa America winners. They may have slipped down to sixth in the FIFA rankings and have failed to impress in the last two World Cups but the Samba nation has never failed to produce top notch footballers year in, year out. The young talent that is been produce by the South American giants will surely bring back the glory days, sooner rather than later. While Brazil have been a force to reckon with on the international stage for decades and decades, a team that has just joint the party at club level for the last decade or so, is, Chelsea.

Ramires and David Luiz

However, it has recently caught my attention that not one Brazilian international has been pivotal in Chelsea’s success over the last couple of years. The two Brazilian internationals that do come to my mind are Juliano Belletti and Alex – however, both of them have been second string defenders. In 2010 though, an unorthodox yet an industrious Brazilian was brought to the Bridge in the form of Ramires. He may not have the skill that was possessed by the likes of Ronaldo or Ronaldinho but the effect he has had on the West London club has been tremendous. His hard work, enthusiasm and energetic runs have made him a Chelsea’s fan favourite. He has been a shining light in a disappointing campaign for Chelsea. Another more charismatic Brazilian that made the move to Chelsea was ex Benfica man, David Luiz. He instantly won over the Chelsea fans with a cracking equalizer against Manchester United but has been criticized for his reckless nature. However, after a couple of bad games for Chelsea he seemed to have removed the mistakes from his game and in my opinion he has the potential to be one the world’s best defenders and will be a sure starter for Brazil in 2014. Regardless of their undeniable talent, these two players have not been part of much success during their time at Chelsea, due to the team’s recent misfortunes and slump in form. However, it would be foolish to say that the Luiz and Ramires will not be essential in Chelsea’s future success.

Chelsea boss Andreas Villas Boas has been looking to add more Brazilians to his squad as the club have been heavily linked with the likes of Lucas Moura, Willian and nineteen year old sensation Neymar. The Blues also have young Lucas Piazon who has just broken into the first team this season but is yet to make an appearance. He has been said to become one of Brazil’s finest and if he does stay at Chelsea, he can become a Blue’s legend. Adding Brazilians with quick feet and flair to the squad can only benefit a deflated Chelsea side and this may just be the answer to their problems.

The talented 18 year old, Lucas Piazon