A Progress Report on the Early-Season Form of AC Milan's Summer Signing Alex

Alex came to Milan from Paris St. Germain on a free transfer this summer, hoping to bolster a lacklustre Milan back line that conceded plenty in the air and never inspired much confidence against top opposition.

So far this season, Alex has been a noticeable improvement when he's played. Unfortunately, a few injuries have meant that he has only been able to start three matches.

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In the three games in which Alex has been deployed from the first minute, Milan have conceded seven goals. In this case, the statistic paints a lie about the Brazilian's time with the Rossoneri. His partner was more to blame, especially in the dramatic 5-4 victory against Parma—I'm looking at you, Daniele Bonera.

What Alex has brought so far has been a coolness under pressure and stout defending. His anticipation has been spot on, while his physicality is a welcome attribute, especially in a defensive unit that has been all too often pushed around at set pieces.

Even though he lacks pace, he makes up for it by rarely being caught out of position and always looking for the simple pass when in possession of the ball. Alex can also venture forward and strike a venomous shot from outside the box, or even get into the box and try his luck at scoring a headed goal, which is one of his best attributes.

He's 32 years old, meaning he still has a few seasons in him as a central defender and can continue building his experience and solidifying the historically brilliant Milan back four.

Milan finally kept a clean sheet in their last match against Chievo Verona, during which Alex partnered Adil Rami from the start.

It seems as though the pair will be Filippo Inzaghi's primary duo in the heart of the defence, even though Cristian Zapata has been knocking on the door.

Zapata has much more pace that the aforementioned pair, but he is panicky in possession and is prone to the occasional massive error at the back.

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Alex has plenty of European experience, which will be helpful if the Rossoneri do end up reaching the top three in Serie A and getting back into the Champions league

The former Brazil international has played at the highest level with both Chelsea and Paris St. Germain, and he was a starter for the Parisian side alongside Thiago Silva last season.

With Milan, he has a chance to lead a new back line in a project to get one of the most storied teams in football get back to winning ways and into Europe.