Chelsea midfielder Ramires is the only Brazilian player to be named in French newspaper L’Équipe’s Ideal Team of 2012, published on Thursday.

Ramires, 25, was influential in his Chelsea side’s double triumph at the end of the 2011-12 season, playing an important role in both Champions League and FA Cup success.

His performances, particularly his all-action display from the right-flank in a semi-final win over Barcelona have received much praise since and, indeed, he is nominated for the Samba Gold Trophy 2012—to be awarded next week.

The absence of any other Brazilian players in the newspaper’s side, though, is an indication of the real absence of top Brazilian players in the European game at present.

World Cup winning centre-forward Ronaldo referred to the problem upon the announcement of the shortlist for FIFA’s Ballon d’Or award last month, stating that Brazilian football was perhaps in “the worst period in its history”.

L’Équipe XI: Casillas; Lahm, Kompany, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba; Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Ramires, Iniesta; Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi.

Source: Lancenet