Aleks Klosok

In the second part of his look at the presence of Brazilian footballers in the top-flight of English football, Aleks Klosok casts his watchful eye over 5 Samba stars that have failed to cut it in the rough and tumble of the Premier League - some more dramatically so than others

In 1987 Mirandinha became the first Brazilian footballer to ply his trade in England. In the intervening 25 years, his counterparts have experienced varying degrees of success, with some thriving and others struggling. Aleks Klosok looks at 5 Samba stars that have left a lasting impression on the English game

In 1998 he became the world's most expensive footballer. A mere ten years later, not even Turkish Süper Lig club Vestel Manisaspor wanted to sign him on a free transfer. Aleks Klosok recounts the rapid rise to and dramatic fall from grace of one of Brazilian football's great underachievers: Denílson

5 years ago he was plying his trade in the Japanese Second Division. This week he returns to his old stomping ground with a Brazilian cap to his name and looking to fire Santos to glory at the FIFA Club World Cup. Aleks Klosok reports on Borges's remarkable career path

Widely regarded as the greatest midfielder of his generation, a social activist and a campaigner for democracy in his homeland and a fully qualified doctor. Aleks Klosok pays homage to Brazilian Football's self-confessed anti-athlete: Sócrates

At the age of 18 he was one of the most talked about prospects to emerge from South America and yet just four years later his career is very much hanging in the balance. Aleks Klosok considers the promising past, problematic present and uncertain future of Brazilian centre back Breno

Despite being shorn of some of its most recognisable international stars, A Seleção made it five consecutive wins after 2-0 victories against Gabon and Egypt respectively, on the latest leg of their World Tour. Aleks Klosok reflects upon two professional performances and a mixed year for Head Coach Mano Menezes

11 years ago, Luiz Felipe Scolari left Palmeiras in a blaze of glory. Now, merely a year after returning to the club, the enigmatic 62-year-old could well be on his way once again — this time under a cloud of controversy. Aleks Klosok looks at an unhappy homecoming for 'Big Phil'

With less than 1,000 days to go until the 2014 FIFA World Cup Finals, Brazil's preparations are in turmoil. Progress on stadia is slow, costs are escalating, and several FIFA deadlines have already been missed. Aleks Klosok explains why world football's premier tournament could be heading for a late kick-off

Aleks Klosok takes a closer look at ten Brazilian stars who have, in recent years, followed a path already well trodden by their fellow compatriots, in turning their backs on the lure of European club football in favour of a welcome return to home comforts

A serial adulterer, a volatile character, an incurable alcoholic and yet undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary entertainers the game is ever likely to see. Aleks Klosok pays tribute to the controversial, colourful and captivating life of a man many consider to be the forgotten hero of Brazilian Football: Garrincha

Aleks Klosok explains why A Seleção's latest set of International Friendlies - an underwhelming 1-0 victory in Costa Rica last Friday followed by an industrious 2-1 win away to 2011 Gold Cup Champions Mexico on Tuesday - have left their under pressure Head Coach Mano Menezes will plenty of food for thought

Over the coming months Aleks Klosok will be reporting from Brazil on players past and present, A Seleção and the country's preparations ahead of hosting the FIFA World Cup Finals in 2014. He kicks-off by looking at ten players to keep an eye on in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A

Unbeaten in eleven games in all competitions - a run stretching back to May 2011 - presently occupying a UEFA Champions League position and, as it stands, boasting the tightest defensive backline in the whole of the Barclays Premier League. Aleks Klosok reflects upon Newcastle United's sensational start to the new season