The backup goalkeeper, who has yet to play a competitive game for the club, will now be thrust into the limelight as Pepe Reina serves a three-game ban.
Liverpool fans can be forgiven for not knowing much about the 32-year-old’s game. He joined the club from AS Roma last July and has only played in three friendly games. Two were preseason games that month, when he conceded six goals against Hull City and Galatasary.
But Doni’s performance in a mid-October friendly in Scotland against Rangers FC should relieve the LFC faithful of some angst. Although he only lasted 57 minutes before suffering a dislocated finger, Doni was Liverpool’s standout performer that day. He made several saves, preventing a 1-0 loss from being much worse.
He has pushed the ever-present Reina in practice and maintains the support of his teammates. Sebastian Coates told LiverpoolFC.tv that Doni’s international pedigree will prevent him from being fazed by the bright lights of the Premier League.
“Alexander is a great person and a great goalkeeper,” Coates said. “I am sure he will do really well. He has played for Brazil, one of the greatest national teams in the world, so he is used to playing in big games.
“He perhaps hasn’t had an opportunity because obviously we have Pepe, but I think he will do well. I think he will make the most of every opportunity that’s given to him. He is a great teammate, and we all wish him well.”
Doni remains confident as ever in his own abilities. He was the undisputed starter at Roma for the first four of his six years in the Italian capital. He played in 29 UEFA Champions League games during those years. A knee injury in 2009 cost him his place in the team, and ongoing turmoil within the club made both Doni and Roma consider a clean break.
The Brazilian international joined Liverpool for £1.5 million ($2.4 million), and has been Reina’s loyal deputy throughout the 2011-12 season. But Sky Sports reports Doni told Radio Sport Mana Mana that he wants to play more and plans to address his long-term future at the end of the season.
“Next year, I do not know where I will play,” Doni said. “Being on the bench is not great. Liverpool have changed so much. There have been lots of ups and downs, but I’m learning the language and the experience is beautiful.
“I miss Roma a lot because it always rains here in Liverpool.”
Doni’s first three competitive games for Liverpool could be his last. If he does the job and sees LFC past Everton on April 14, Reds fans everywhere will give him eternal thanks if he returns to the eternal city.
Have a question for Marcus Kwesi O’Mard? Send it to him via Twitter at @NESNsoccer, NESN Soccer’s Facebook page or send it here. He will pick a few questions to answer every week for his mailbag.
Thumbnail photo via Flickr/romaoffside
