Maicon Named to Brazil's World Cup Squad

While we spent the morning talking about a future defensive reinforcement, Roma's current right back just received some wonderful news. Douglas Maicon, a/k/a Maicon, a/k/a Big Dougie, was just named by Luis Felipe Scolari to Brazil's 2014 World Cup squad. This is obviously great news under any circumstance, but Maicon's selection carries extra weight (no pun intended) given that the tournament is taking place in his own back yard. There is no nation as mad about football as the Brazilians, so this is sure to be a summer to remember for Roma's right back.

Back in the fall we discussed Roma's perpetual failures at developing anything resembling a decent full back, and while he wasn't home grown and has had some hiccups in his first year, there can be no doubt, the stability he's provided on the right flank has contributed to Roma's rousing success this season. Roma's gamble on Maicon has paid off all season long, and this is a fitting reward for the 32-year-old defender.

Maicon has made 28 appearances for the Giallorossi this season, nabbing two goals while averaging 1.4 shots, 1.1 key passes per match and completing 87% of his passes. Defensively, Maicon hasn't been quite what he was during his heyday in Inter, but he's been a sight better than he was for Manchester City.

While it remains to be seen how much action he'll see behind Daniel Alves, this is obviously a fantastic honor for Maicon and it gives us one more player to track at this summer's big dance