Alex confident in Chelsea's defence
Chelsea defender, Alex Rodrigo Dias Da Costa, has said the club's defensive line has been able to coordinate effectively this season.
Alex, who signed a three-year deal at Chelsea in 2007, featured regularly in the club's central defence last season, after spending three seasons on loan at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven
The departure of Ricardo Carvalho to Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid this summer has cemented his place next to team captain, John Terry. Their partnership has been fruitful-Chelsea has to concede a goal this season.
"I feel very good in this moment, it is not just me, all the defence, all the team is important," the defender told Chelsea's official website. "[Defensive midfielder] John Obi Mikel is very good, every game he is doing a fantastic job and is helping me and John Terry, and Paulo and Ashley."
Alex has also proven an offensive asset to the London club, managing to score 12 goals in 108 appearances. His thunderous free kick delivery has contributed to his scoring record, as well as his occasional forward runs.
Against West Ham on Saturday, we may see the defender make similar surges up the pitch. Alex believes Chelsea's attacking game will be the key to victory. "I know [West Ham] are bottom [in the league], but on the pitch it is different and we have to play well," he said. "We have to start the game strong, they have a difficult position and we have to attack, attack, attack in the first 15 minutes and try to score."
Pending the success of Chelsea, more challenges lie ahead this month as the club travels to face Manchester City in just over two weeks' time. "We have the big game against Manchester City away near the end of this month, and that is a big test on the pitch for us. If we win our games until then, we will have a chance to win there and to play well, and maintain our place on top."