Alex Teixeira Santos is not the most famous of Brazilian footballers, far from it. But there is one reason why you should anticipate his rise to global stardom, because he plays for Shakhtar Donetsk.
The reputation of the Ukrainian club at finding Brazilians and developing them into world class players is second to none. Alex Teixeira is following in the footsteps of Willian, Fernandinho and Diego Costa.
Football to escape the Favelas
Teixeira’s story follows that of a cliché. Born on January 6, 1990, he spent his childhood having to travel many kilometres to school by foot. He grew up on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro and saw many families torn apart by trafficking and all different types of crime. Growing up in the favelas meant he was quickly confronted with two options; choose crime or choose hard work. As you may have already guessed Teixeira preferred to train hard instead of joining the street gangs. He realised he had talent when a football was at his feet.
It did not take long to find a way out. Teixeira was just nine years old when Vasco da Gama, famous for developing young talent, signed him up to their academy. Within months there was talk that the scouts had found a gem. The youngster proved to be extremely gifted, and was moved around to virtually every position on the football pitch, as a striker or attacking midfielder, even sometimes as a defender. By the time he was fourteen Teixeira had played for nearly every youth side including a few appearances for the under 18 team.
On his 16th birthday there were already scouts from Europe who had heard stories of a youth with the footballing brain of a veteran (Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea were interested). Unlike many other youngsters Alex Teixeira quietly continued his training and was content to stay at the club who gave him his chance. Two years later and he gained his chance in the first team.
It was in 2008 when he finally got his big breakthrough. With memories of the favelas still fresh in his mind Teixeira made his first team debut for Vasco de Gama in the Dubai cup. Although this was only a friendly tournament club officials saw his potential and quickly signed the composed midfielder to a five year contract. This was to be an intelligent move with Teixeira leading Vasco to the Série B title by seven points less than two years later.
Shakhtar Donetsk saw their opportunity to pounce before anyone else and after only 51 appearances (11 goals) for Vasco, Teixeira found himself in Ukraine after a €6 million deal was agreed.
Clubs line up with their chequebook
Fast forward to today and Teixeira has developed into arguably the best player in Eastern Europe. The most impressive thing about his development is that his play has progressed not just because of his improved physique but because of his intelligence. The 25 year old has played in a number of different positions in midfield and has quietly gone about his job efficiently and effectively.
Teixeira’s goal scoring record improved year on year until Fernandinho was sold to Manchester City in 2013. This then led to Shakhtar manager Mircea Lucescu moving Teixeira back into a more defensive position to protect the back four. Instead of complaining the Brazilian got his head down and helped Shakhtar win their fifth title in a row. No wonder Lucescu is full of praise for his key man.
“He is the technical leader of my team and should also be the technical leader for Brazil.”
But it is in the last year that Teixeira has really shown what he can do. When Lucescu reinstated him alongside his attack the ever smiling Teixeira plundered 17 goals in only 22 games. So far this season he already has seven in just six league games. Comfortable as an attacking midfielder or as a striker, Teixeira can be distinguished by his speed, technique, and his composure in front of goal. He has exceptional control and his thirst to improve is the reason why he is now coming to the attention of Europe’s top clubs. Oh how they must wish they had signed him back when he was 16!
What about the Brazilian team?
Alex Teixeira has expressed his happiness at Shakhtar Donetsk but there is one reason why he may want to move to a larger team. He has still not been selected by Brazil which would seem confusing with all the silverware to his name. As well as the Série B title he won with Vasco, Teixeira has five Ukrainian championships, three Ukrainian cups and four Ukrainian Super Cups. His habit of winning could be something that Dunga could do with and it is not as if Teixeira has not had experience in the Champions League.
Teixeira does have experience with the younger age groups of Brazil. At the age of 15, he won the Under-17 Copa America then in 2009 he participated in the Under-20 World Cup. A hat trick against Costa Rica in the opening game helped lead the Seleção to the final where they were pipped on penalties. This was to be Teixeira’s last game for his country but many feel he should now be given another chance, and this time for the seniors instead.
