Why Jose Mourinho Must Keep Hold of Chelsea Midfielder Ramires

Chelsea midfielder Ramires is top of Real Madrid's transfer targets, according to the Daily Express.

The English tabloid suggests manager Carlo Ancelotti is eager to bring him to the Bernabeu next summer with doubts being raised over Xabi Alonso and whether he will remain in Spain amid interest from Juventus.

Indeed, while there may be a World Cup on, next summer's transfer window could be just as entertaining, with the trusted transfer rumor mill predicting a move for any one high-profile midfielder causing a domino effect across the continent.

If a summer of intense transfer activity is on the cards, Jose Mourinho will be wise to nail down his Brazilian midfielder Ramires rather quickly to fend off any admirers, including his former employers.

Sitting third in the Premier League table heading into the international break, it's been a mixed start to 2013-14 for Chelsea.

Their league position suggests a team at the heart of the title race—of which they are—although they remain an outfit that hasn't convinced they can live up to their billing after some inconsistent displays.

Oscar has been the one player seen by many to have stood out. As talented as he is, a considerable level of his profile has come on the back of attention given to Juan Mata's omission from Chelsea's early starting line-ups.

It's thrust Oscar under the spotlight like never before, with his contribution scrutinized more than most. Operating away from the media glare, however, it's his compatriot Ramires who can claim to be Chelsea's star performer thus far.

When Mourinho arrived back at Stamford Bridge in June, the priority for his rebuilding process seemed for Chelsea to add another striker and world-class defensive midfielder to their ranks.

In Samuel Eto'o, the Blues got their striker, but a defensive midfielder wasn't forthcoming. It meant concern grew among some factions of the Stamford Bridge crowd—the majority of whom believe John Obi Mikel is not up to task—although Mourinho remained unmoved.

Why? Because he has Ramires.

The Brazilian's form this season has rendered void the belief Chelsea need another body in the middle of the pitch. Ramires cost the club £20 million in 2010 and he's probably saved them that this term.

No player has tackled more for his team in the league (24), started more games (seven) or, where Chelsea's midfielders are concerned, made more interceptions (six). Ramires is yet to find the back of the net in the Premier League, but that statistic shouldn't cloud the contribution he has given the Blues.

The 26-year-old's dashboard (above) from Chelsea's most recent outing against Norwich City on Oct. 6 demonstrates how he is being so effective.

Operating in the middle third, Ramires is ensuring Chelsea control matches in terms of possession and flow while dictating proceedings.

It's vital and, with so much attacking talent ahead of him, the need for Ramires to play further forward is not as essential as it may seem.

In seasons past, he has attempted to influence games upfield, but what we're seeing this term is a different Ramires—one who is adapting to the ethics of his manager, growing in maturity and breaking free of the shackles from his younger years.

He has a pass completion rate of 88 per cent, a stat enforcing the notion Ramires is the man driving this Chelsea team forward and helping his teammates control matches.

It's been discussed at great length since Claude Makelele left Chelsea and will continue to be when defensive midfielders are raised; Makelele was the a big part of the foundation Mourinho built during his first spell in charge and now Ramires is the man taking over the mantle.

The Brazilian isn't quite at Makelele's level just yet, although he showing he has the attributes to come close to at least rivalling the Frenchman's influence.

This season marks Ramires' fourth in West London and with Mourinho's return ushering in a new dawn, it seems we're beginning to see the best of him.

*All stats from WhoScored.com

Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent and will be following the club from a London base throughout the 2013-14 season. Follow him on Twitter here: @garryhayes