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Full name Alex Rodrigo Dias da Costa
Date of birth June 17, 1982 (age 24)
Place of birth Niterói, Brazil
Nickname The Tank
Playing position Defender
Current club PSV Eindhoven
Number 4
Profile
An enthusiastic defender who can play at full-back or in the centre, Alex is a barrel-chested Brazilian who has made a huge impression at PSV Eindhoven.
Alex made his name with Santos FC, his breakthrough season coming in 2002 when he scored three goals in 19 appearances, although things got even better in the following campaign. In 2003, Alex scored nine goals in 34 matches, while also showing a competitive streak with nine yellow cards. With cash available following the sale of Arjen Robben, PSV Eindhoven signed Alex on a five-year contract from Santos, with the reported €8m deal due to start in July 2004.
Although he took time to settle amid doubts about his pace, he soon became a rock in defence with his aerial ability also useful in attack for the Dutch double winners. Nicknamed 'The Tank' by the PSV fans, he scored the only goal at home to AS Monaco FC in the last 16, and then a vital equaliser against Olympique Lyonnais as Guus Hiddink's side reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. Won another title in 2006 yet missed out on Brazil's FIFA World Cup squad.
Did you know?
Alex had never seen snow until he arrived in Eindhoven in February 2004 for initial talks on his transfer.
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