Alexander Doni

The man with the thankless task of playing understudy to ‘Pepe’ Reina, is Brazilian international goalkeeper Alexander Doni, who was signed from from AS Roma in July 2011, thus becoming the second Brazilian stopper to sign for the Reds following in the footsteps of Diego Cavalieri. He was made to feel welcome on his arrival at Anfield by the fact that he teamed up with compatriots Lucas and Fabio Aurelio, and he also played alongside Alberto Aquilani and former Red John Arne Riise at AS Roma. Born in Jundai, Sao Paulo, Doni started his career in his native Brazil with Corinthians before having spells with Santos and Cruzeiro. The veteran joined Roma in 2005 from Brazilian side Juventude but was understudy to Julio Sergio prior to his arrival at Anfield, making 16 league appearances for Roma during 2010-11. He was first capped for Brazil against Turkey in Dortmund, Germany, on June 5, 2007, and played a major role in helping his country win the 2007 Copa America, saving two penalties in the semi-final against Uruguay before Brazil went on to beat Argentina in the final Doni has a wealth of experience, having made over 150 appearances in Serie A, and therefore and provides quality back-up as the last line of defence.