50 Players to watch at the World Cup - No 31 Maicon

The countdown continues as Robbie Blakeley looks at rampaging Brazilian full-back Maicon. Name: Douglas Maicon Age: 28 Club: Internazionale International Caps: 55 International Goals: 5 It takes a lot to keep Dani Alves out of any team, but Maicon has managed it, establishing himself as Brazil's first-choice right-back going into the World Cup. After winning rave reviews in his native Brazil and a national championship with Cruzeiro, Maicon moved to French outfit Monaco in 2004, where he was employed successfully as a wing-back in a 3-5-2 formation. His attacking abilities didn't go unnoticed throughout Europe, and Inter president Massimo Moratti leapt at the chance to secure the player's signature in 2006. Since signing for Inter, Maicon has been one of their most consistent performers, helping them to a hat-trick of Serie A titles. Real Madrid and Manchester City are rumoured to be interested in signing him, but an impressive World Cup for Maicon, which would come as no surprise, could push his asking price beyond the £30 million Moratti is already quoting. THE STORY SO FAR. No 32: Victor Obinna No 33: Klaas Jan Huntelaar No 34: Ryan Nelsen No 35: Tranquilo Barnetta No 36: Jozy Altidore No 37: Robert Koren No 38: Teko Modise No 39: Simon Kjaer No 40: Jong Tae-Se No 41: Nadir Belhadj No 42: Roque Santa Cruz No 43: Park Ji-Sung No 44: Nikola Zigic No 45: Yaya Toure No 46: Angelos Charisteas No 47: Keisuke Honda No 48: Hugo Lloris No 49: Mario Gomez No 50: Guiseppe Rossi

Source: DSG