At Bologna there is a player who could spark a heated transfer frenzy in the summer market; and while bidding wars will go on across Europe, the Rossoblu’s latest talent could prove to be the most valuable addition any team will make when they conduct their business. His name is Gaston Ramirez, born on 2nd December 1990 in Fray Bentos in Uruguay, and he has torn apart Serie A with a series of stunning displays in Bologna’s forward line.
Ramirez is a player who has had scouts clocking up so many trips to the Aeroporto G. Marconi Bologna, a football-themed departure lounge would not have looked out of place. The number of sides the 21-year-old has been linked with over the last 12 months reads like a who’s who of Europe’s elite clubs – but there are three leading the chase with deadly serious interest: Juventus, Liverpool and Inter.
None of this should be surprising as, in many ways, Ramirez is the perfect attacking player for the modern game. The Uruguayan can operate in the centre, on the left flank, behind a centre forward or even in a trequartista role. Ramirez grew up as a player with Penarol of Montevideo, where his silky skills soon saw him taste success at the club with a Torneo Clausura won in 2010, with six goals scored in the process. That same year however, came the leap to Europe, as Bologna moved in to secure a deal, throwing Ramirez into the fray instantly with a Serie A debut on 26th September at Catania (the Rossoblu drew 1-1).
Ramirez’ first season in Serie A was good, but not outstanding. The attacking midfielder had to wait until January to register his opening goal, with a strike against Lazio. When the campaign came to a close, he had found the back of the net four times in 25 games.
At 21 years old, Ramirez still ranks in the youngster category, with Bologna understanding that much patience is needed as his development continues. This year though, the Uruguayan has suddenly soared. In February, he scored a beautiful goal against Fiorentina with a back-heel which sent the Stadio Comunale in Bologna into raptures. Ramirez has chipped in regularly throughout the campaign, playing alongside Alessandro Diamanti and Marco Di Vaio, or often replacing one or the other from the bench.
The biggest feather in Ramirez’ cap came at the San Siro against AC Milan, when he netted after being played in by Diamanti. It was an ice-cool finish and, in Italy’s most esteemed stadium, with the Rossoneri battling Juventus for the Scudetto, was a hammer blow to the home side’s title hopes; Zlatan Ibrahimovic equalised in the 90th minute, but Milan could claim only a draw. In that match, Ramirez showed he is more than ready to be a difference-maker in Serie A and perhaps has now reached the level required to play for one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Ramirez’ explosion into Serie A was helped by Bologna’s comfortable mid-table season. Under Stefano Poli, the Rossoblu secured survival easily, particularly impressing away from home. Apart from the famous draw at Milan, Bologna won in their other visit to the San Siro, beating Inter 3-0 with an eye-catching display. The team also drew 1-1 away against Juventus, while Napoli and Roma could also not find a way past Bologna, despite playing Poli’s men at home. And that the Rossoblu ended the season unbeaten against Juventus and Milan (home and away), the two title contenders, was much to their credit; in fact Bologna could have won both home fixtures, such was the level of their performances.
In 2010, Ramirez also made his senior debut with La Celeste, thanks to Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez; he did not make the Copa America which Uruguay won however. For now Ramirez’ target on the international scene is clear: the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. For the man who represented his country at the Under-20 World Cup in Egypt in 2009, it is unclear where he will be plying his trade in 2012/13 though as he looks to boost his profile.
“I don’t know at the moment if I’ll be playing with Bologna next season”, said Ramirez, who is clearly aware of the number of suitors he has accumulated. “I have had two important seasons here, but I don’t know what the board are thinking, and for sure I hope to play for a top team, who regularly play in European competition, in the future.”
There is little doubt that Ramirez is one of the most interesting prospects in Italian football at present and it seems certain he will be on the move this summer. While Juventus and Liverpool could offer compelling destinations for the 21-year-old, it is the prospect of joining a squad packed full of South Americans at Inter which may draw his gaze.
