After rumors about the possibilities of loosing one of their best players, Douglas Maicon, emerged from the media, it looks like Inter Milan is already preparing life without the Brazilian International. Although theres haven’t been any agreement reached by both Real Madrid and Inter regarding the possible transfer, the media in Spain in Italy believe it will only a matter of time before the deal is struck and as a step forward the Italian giant reportedly has line up a replacement for the 29-years-old right back.
One name that was recently mentioned to be the candidate to replace Maicon is also another Brazilian player, Rafinha, who l was also being courted by two other Italian big guns, Ac Milan and Juventus last season. Now, with the chance of loosing one of their best defender is pretty much on the horizon, Inter seems ready to enter the war bid in acquiring the Schalke player’s service next summer as the player might be interested in leaving Germany and getting new experience.
Even if Schalke doesn’t seem that interested in selling on of their best assets, Inter do have the upper hand with the fact Rafinha’s contract reportedly will end next season and without any sign of extending it, the German club might be tempted to cash in on him if the right offer come. Surely, in a business way, the Bundesliga runners up last season would rather get something while they can rather than loosing a player without earning something.
The big question, if Inter do sign Rafinha, would the 24-years-old lift up to the expectation of replacing one of the most influential player for the Nerazzuri? It would be a tough task as despite having the same nationality and playing position with Maicon, the young right back has different characteristic compared to his senior. The most different aspect that people will notice from both players is their physical attributes, If Maicon is a very strong and big player, Rafinha is pretty much the opposite. Although height and strength is not everything in football, but undoubtedly that aspect is what differs Maicon from other right back in this era.
Personally, I think Rafinha is a very interesting player and if Inter are interested on him it won’t be a bad deal for them, although I would suggest that the Nerazzuri fans and management should go easy on him as it will be a tough task for him to replace Maicon. The 24-years-old is a very fast and talented player, like any Brazilian does, but his not a physical player that count on his strength to defend, it would be difficult for him to play Inter’s previous style but if Benitez opted a different approach on the blue and black squad’s style next season then the former Coritiba player might be a good addition for the Italian champion.
