1 week ago
13
U17 World Cup star
©TM/IMAGO
The stars of tomorrow are currently participating in the U17 World Cup in Qatar and few players are generating more excitement than Wendeson Wanderley Santos de Melo. Known professionally as ‘Dell’, the Brazilian striker was one of the standout youngsters from the group stages to build on his already substantial reputation.
Neymar, Eden Hazard and Phil Foden are just several of the superstars to announce themselves at the U17 World Cup and Dell could be the next breakthrough star. The 17-year-old has scored three goals in Brazil’s three games, with a brace in the 7-0 win over Honduras and a late equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Zambia. Dell has been compared to Erling Haaland and we’ve provided the lowdown on the talent striker with expert insight from Brazil.
Who is Dell?
Dell developed his reputation as a potential star of the future by scoring at an exceptional rate as he progressed through Bahia’s youth academy. The attacker scored 40 goals in 2023 and he instantly caught the eye of the national team selectors. Dell finished top goalscorer as Brazil won the U15 South American Championships in 2024 and he’s now excelling for the U17s.
But Thiago Rabelo, respected Brazilian journalist and Transfermarkt writer, has revealed that Dell isn’t the most highly-rated prospect in the South American nation. “He isn’t even the most gifted prospect from the next Brazilian generation,” said Rabelo. “There are more prominent players like Ângelo, Gabriel Mec, Kauã Prates - who wasn’t released by Cruzeiro to play at the U17 World Cup - and Ryan Roberto, a lovely player of Flamengo, who wasn’t called up by the coach Dudu Patetucci.”
Erling Haaland comparisons
Dell has been nicknamed the ‘Erling Haaland of Sertão’ - which is Portuguese for hinterland - but they aren’t alike at all stylistically. At 5ft 9inches, the Brazilian starlet is a diminutive striker and has more resemblance to fellow South American’s Sergio Agüero or Julián Alvarez. Dell’s explosiveness and finishing ability are amongst his best qualities as Rabelo explains. “Dell is a player to pay attention to carefully. His best quality is scoring goals, an attribute that every club wants. Called the Haaland of Sertão, Dell is very efficient in front of goal but at Bahia, he isn’t viewed as their biggest talent. All eyes at the club are focused on Ruan Pablo, a strong and speedy player who has already debuted for the first time.”
Meanwhile, Dell has no issue with the comparisons to Haaland, as he idolizes the Manchester City star: 'I'm very happy to receive this nickname,” he told ESPN in a recent interview. “Haaland is an inspiration to many. He's a guy whose videos I enjoy watching, both outside and inside the box. I think my movements are similar to his.”
Which clubs are interested in Dell?
Naturally, Dell is on the radar of major European clubs with scouts from all the biggest clubs in the world in attendance in Qatar. It’s understood, however, that Manchester City is his likeliest destination in the future due to City Group owning 90% of Bahia. There has been significant investment from the group into Bahia’s youth academy with the aim of developing elite talents - Dell, Ruan Pablo and Kauê Furquim are viewed as future stars. And Dell has made no secret of his future ambitions, stating: “I have this dream of playing for a club like Manchester City, which for me is the best club in the world.”
