Brazilian-born left-sided player who qualified for Japan just in time to feature in the last World Cup finals four years ago. He only made his international debut in March 2002 against Ukraine, before featuring in two of Japan's four games on home soil. Can play either in defence or midfield, but has been used in the more withdrawn role since the appointment of Zico as national team coach. After studying in Japan he broke into the professional ranks with Shimizu S-Pulse, spending five years there before a switch to Urawa Reds. Alex has won more than 70 international caps to date and offers valuable options on the left flank.