King Kenny adds another piece to Liverpool jigsaw

Liverpool - Alexander Doni is just what Kenny Dalglish was looking for

By Emdad Rahman

Original article  - Liverpool have been rather busy in the transfer market of late with noises from Anfield still suggesting that there could be more exciting new additions to Kenny Dalglish’s squad before the start of the new Premier League.

After the £20 million capture of England winger Stewart Downing, the Red Army are now treated to the more humble signing of Brazilian keeper Alexander Doni, 31, from AS Roma after Dalglish earmarked the Brazilian as the perfect back up to Pepe Reina.

Doni thus becomes the fifth Brazilian to sign for one of England’s biggest clubs. Despite the free transfer, Doni initially dithered over taking a sizeable drop in his salary.

Speaking to Il Tempo Doni said: “I have only received an official offer from Liverpool but I could not accept those conditions. I would have had my salary cut by 60 per cent.

“After signing a five-year contract extension with Roma in 2008 and having given a knee for Roma’s cause, I am unwilling to give away money.”

Damien Comolli, Liverpool's director of football told Liverpoolfc.tv: "We are delighted to sign Doni. It's a position we felt we had to strengthen because it will allow our young goalkeepers to go on loan and get some experience at some point during the season, which is crucial in their development.

"We are getting a very experienced goalkeeper who is used to handling the pressure of big games and international matches with Brazil. He had a very good end of last season with Roma, so we are very pleased."

Comolli added: “It’s a position we felt we had to strengthen because it will allow our young goalkeepers to go on loan and get some experience at some point during the season, which is crucial in their development.”

So what can Liverpool fans expect from Doniéber Alexander Marangon? Here are some facts about King Kenny's latest recruit.

-Doni joined Roma from Juventude and has joined Liverpool despite being under contract until 2013. He served as number two to his compatriot Julio Sergio during Roma’s last Serie A campaign, making 16 appearances during the season.

-At Corinthians he won the 2002 Brazilian Cup and Rio-Sao Paulo Tournament, as well as the Sao Paulo State Championship in 2003.

-Doni is a big stopper who is enormously experienced at the highest level, mainly through his stint at the Stadio Olympico and the national team for which he made his 2007 debut against Turkey in Dortmund.

-Liverpool’s new warden of the penalty area has represented Seleção Brasileira de Futebol 10 times and won the 2007 Copa America, proving talismanic as he saved three penalties (two during the semi final win over Uruguay) during Brazil’s victorious march to success in the Finals.

-Whilst plying his trade in the Eternal city, Doni played with Alberto Aquilani and John Arne Riise. He won two Copa Italia’s during 179 appearances for Roma.