Hi guys (and girls)
I just found this article on this defender named Alex, and he was once ours, I didn't know that..
Santos strongman set to add weight to Brazil's defence
The announcement of Brazil's squad for the opening WC qualifiers was eagerly awaited at Santos. But while the likes of Diego and Renato were included, centre-back Alex was overlooked. For the time beaing at least, national coach Carlos Alberto Parreira appears to want to stick with experienced players at the back, though Alex is more than staking his claim every week with his club side.
Even at 21, the defender is the ehaviest outfrield player in Brazilian football, and has more than pulled his weight in the seaside club's remarkable recent run of success. His awesome strength and surprising speed are fundamental. As Santos winger Robinho said after facing Alex in training : "It's not easy to get past The Ox." The burly beast of burden also makes an attacking contribution, providing an aerial threat at set pieces and often getting on the scoresheet with fearsome long range free kicks.
The attacking bias in the Santos midfield means that Alex has frequently been left exposed- a design fault Santos got away with until meeting Boca Juniors in this year's Libertadores Cup Final. Slack passing out of defence, lapses of concentration, the odd cumbersome lunge- his flaws were ruthlessly exposed by canny Boca coach Carlos Bianchi.
But Alex has responded in style. He had an excellent Gold Cup with Brazil's under 23s, looking rock solid behind a midfield with a more defensive leaning. And he carried his form into the Brazilian championship, where a glance at the Santos goals against column- just 31 in 29 games- helps explain why a second consecutive title is a possibility.
A place in next year's Olympic team seems assured. But maybe even before that the Santos strongman will be holding up Brazil's opponents in World Cup qualifiers.
Fact File:
Club : Santos
Country : Brazil
Bron : June 17, 1982
Previous club : Juventus (Sao Paulo)
Homours : Brazilian Championship 2002
I just found this article on this defender named Alex, and he was once ours, I didn't know that..
Santos strongman set to add weight to Brazil's defence
The announcement of Brazil's squad for the opening WC qualifiers was eagerly awaited at Santos. But while the likes of Diego and Renato were included, centre-back Alex was overlooked. For the time beaing at least, national coach Carlos Alberto Parreira appears to want to stick with experienced players at the back, though Alex is more than staking his claim every week with his club side.
Even at 21, the defender is the ehaviest outfrield player in Brazilian football, and has more than pulled his weight in the seaside club's remarkable recent run of success. His awesome strength and surprising speed are fundamental. As Santos winger Robinho said after facing Alex in training : "It's not easy to get past The Ox." The burly beast of burden also makes an attacking contribution, providing an aerial threat at set pieces and often getting on the scoresheet with fearsome long range free kicks.
The attacking bias in the Santos midfield means that Alex has frequently been left exposed- a design fault Santos got away with until meeting Boca Juniors in this year's Libertadores Cup Final. Slack passing out of defence, lapses of concentration, the odd cumbersome lunge- his flaws were ruthlessly exposed by canny Boca coach Carlos Bianchi.
But Alex has responded in style. He had an excellent Gold Cup with Brazil's under 23s, looking rock solid behind a midfield with a more defensive leaning. And he carried his form into the Brazilian championship, where a glance at the Santos goals against column- just 31 in 29 games- helps explain why a second consecutive title is a possibility.
A place in next year's Olympic team seems assured. But maybe even before that the Santos strongman will be holding up Brazil's opponents in World Cup qualifiers.
Fact File:
Club : Santos
Country : Brazil
Bron : June 17, 1982
Previous club : Juventus (Sao Paulo)
Homours : Brazilian Championship 2002
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