PLAYER PROFILE

Rodrigo da Costa Alex

Position: Defence

Height: 6'2

Weight: 14st 0lbs

Date of Birth: 1982-06-17 Niteroi, Brazil

Rodrigo da Costa Alex

Chelsea completed the signing of Brazil centre-half Alex from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven on a three-year contract in August 2007.

The rugged 25-year-old stopper moved to Stamford Bridge on a free transfer after spending three seasons in the Netherlands, having impressed in the Champions League for PSV.

He continued his fine form for the Blues in 2007/08 and even managed to score three times. Alex was once again impressive in 2008/09 and scored a handful of significant goals.

In November 2008, he hit the club's 1000th Premier League strike in a handsome 5-0 win over Sunderland, while in April he drew his team level in the Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool with a thunderous free-kick.