Ramires: Should he stay in the middle?

I wanted to open up discussion this afternoon on Ramires. I for one, never thought that playing in the deeper lying midfield position next to Mikel, would be his cup of cake but I’m happy to say that I have been proven wrong in the last two games.

Ever since Di Matteo took over the club, Ramires has found himself playing out on the right wing to do a job, and to his credit, he has made an impact. The Drogba goal against Napoli and his two goals in the FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham, and in the FA Cup Final against Liverpool stand out.

His goal at the Nou Camp came from nowhere after a great run, and one-two he played with Frank Lampard from his starting position as a right back!

His versatility has given RDM plenty of options to utilise him within the framework of the side up till a week or so ago. We all know that Ramires is happy to do a job and play anywhere, as he has plenty of energy and stamina to burn, but in recent games he has been all over the pitch and his contribution from the deeper role has been immense.

Some people call it centre midfield, some call the position the holding role, some call it the deeper lying position and some the double-pivot. Call it what you want, but there is now a serious case for Ramires to be playing there, week in, week out.

Speaking to Chelsea fans I know, since Saturday, and the general opinion is that Frank Lampard really has a job now, to take the position back from Ramires and that’s fair comment.

Frank Lampard is about finesse and polish in that position, with the ball at his feet and he puts himself about defensively also. Ramires is getting there as far as finesse and polish goes, but it’s the energy he has that makes him stand out from others around him.

Of course, there will be times when Ramires will be deployed within the formation to do a job for the team to counter, something Di Matteo has seen in the opposition, and Ramires will be happy to oblige.

However, I am sure that Robbie has seen the impact Ramires has had through the middle, and what he gives the team with his work rate and energy.

Surely now Ramires has made this position his own?

What do you people think?