Rodrigo Alex

Name:	Alex
Nationality:	Brazilian
Date of Birth:	17/06/1982
Height:	6' 2" (189cm)
Weight:	14st 7lbs (92.0kg)
Previous
Clubs:	PSV
Position:	Defender

Chelsea's first ever Brazilian goal scorer joined on the eve of the new Premier League season after three years playing in Holland at PSV Eindhoven. Chelsea held the first option to sign him when he left.

The then 26-year-old international defender put his signature to a three-year deal and is an important reinforcement in a rearguard that has been holed badly by injuries over the last two campaigns.

His debut season provided 39 appearances in a Chelsea shirt, two more than John Terry and one more than Ricardo Carvalho, hinting at his importance.

Alex's first Chelsea goal came at Middlesbrough, thundering home a trademark powerful free-kick from 35 yards, which naturally became a Goal of the Season contender.

He followed that up with another at Rosenborg, before showing an altogether different part of his game with a fleet-footed one-two with Andriy Shevchenko against Aston Villa, which he finished with aplomb. That too earned commendation in the end of season awards.

Joined by Juliano Belletti, and now Luiz Felipe Scolari, he is a part of an ongoing Brazilian history at the Bridge.

Prior to PSV, Alex played in his homeland at Santos, the São Paulo club made famous around the globe by Pelé.

After moving to Europe, the young player was part of a side that won three consecutive Dutch league titles with a domestic double completed in 2004/05. In the Champions League of 2006/07 he made the headlines by heading the goal that knocked Arsenal out at the first knockout stage.

Having made his international debut in 2003, Alex was part of the Brazil side that won the 2007 Copa América, playing in the 3-0 defeat of Argentina in the Final. He continues to be a regular wearer of the famous yellow shirts.