Calcio Debate: Should Inter Milan Sell Maicon?

He is a Brazilian international right-back, arguably the best in his position. He whips in exquisite crosses that beat the life out of the opposition defenders, goes on rampaging forays that destroy opposition backlines and was one of the two top players for his side last season as he led them to an easy domestic league triumph.

No, not Daniel Alves of FC Barcelona, but Maicon Douglas Sisenando of Inter Milan, a player who has established himself as arguably the best and most balanced right-back in the world, and has been a major factor in Inter Milan winning Serie A at a canter last term.

Maicon has been quoted as saying that he is not properly appreciated and respected at Inter and that he wants to win the Champions League. Spanish giants and this summer's free-spenders Real Madrid are alleged to have held talks with the player's agent and Chelsea too seem to be throwing in a bid of their own. Suddenly Inter, so long having staved off all talk of their second most prized asset leaving the club, are now in serious dilemma of whether to sell Maicon.

The Case Against

Maicon is one of the very few genuinely world-class players this somewhat uninspiring Inter side possesses and the 27-year-old is virtually irreplaceable. Jose Mourinho likes to build his team from the back and last season it was often Maicon who would carry the team’s attack from his own half, bulldozing past the opposition midfield and defence, linking with his teammates upfront and also scoring the odd goal.

Maicon’s four goals, and five assists, in 27 league starts are not too far from Daniel Alves’ five goals, and nine assists, in 32 league outings; also remember Inter are more cautious and defensive in their approach than Barcelona.

Even without Maicon, Inter would have a pretty solid defence, perhaps the best in Serie A, but losing the former Monaco man would bereft them of that extra edge in their attack. Maicon might not have the elegance of Dani Alves or the finesse of Sergio Ramos- two other candidates for the 'best right back in the world' honour - but his direct, instinctive approach has led many to designate him as indispensable for the Nerazzurri. His departure to Spain or England would be Serie A's loss.

The Case For

But selling Maicon to Real Madrid should yield something between €30 and €40 million and given Madrid's almost obscene inclination to spend big, Inter might even garner an extra €10m. The Italians haven't really lacked money and have been more than just eager to splash out the greens in search of silverware. But given the current fragile economic circumstances Moratti has acknowledged that he doesn't have that much money to invest in his club.

Shelling out Maicon would inject Inter with the cash that they could actually utilize to sign a playmaker, something they have depressingly lacked for the last couple of seasons, always desperately depending on the hugely talented but big-game flop Zlatan Ibrahimovic to create chances.

Davide Santon's exemplary displays last season imply that he has the potential to replace Maicon at right-back. The 18-year-old played as a left-back last term and dislodged the not-so-shabby Maxwell. Maicon's departure would allow Santon to switch to his preferred right-back slot leaving the left-back position vacant, which could then be filled again by Maxwell, or by Cristian Chivu.

To Sell Or Not To?

Yet there are doubts. Santon is only 18 and for all talk of him developing into an Italian and Inter legend he has featured in only 16 Serie A games and two Champions League matches in his career. Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig amongst others have done an excellent job in their roles as James Bond but it was Sean Connery who was the best 007. Santon has the talent and is radically maturing but he is still not the finished article and is bound to commit mistakes, something that Inter cannot afford if they want to conquer Europe. Maxwell's relationship with Inter has been damaged and Chivu can be unconvincing at times.

Losing your best player(s) even for ridiculous amounts of money is not a reason to celebrate. Cristiano Ronaldo's sell-out to Madrid might have earned Manchester United some €90 million but they have lost their best player for the last two years and aren't celebrating. Maicon is the best for Inter after Ibracadabra and although his sell-out would monetarily help Inter, in a sporting sense it probably wouldn’t.

Subhankar Mondal, Goal.com 

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