“HAALAND DO SERTÃO”
Dell found the net four times in the Copa São Paulo
Published on January 16, 2025 at 04:00
Dell celebrates Bahia’s goal against Coritiba Credit: João Brandino/Disclosure
At 16 years old, striker Dell has shown a keen eye for goal. A sensation in the São Paulo Junior Football Cup, the Bahia player has already found the back of the net four times and is attracting attention in the competition.
The boy’s good moment in the tournament is the repetition of what he has been doing at Bahia’s base. Since arriving at Tricolor, the center forward has been racking up goals. Last year, he was the top scorer in the Squadron’s lower categories and won the titles of Bahian under-17 and under-20 champion.
Dell also accumulates call-ups for the Brazilian National Team. Last year, he competed in the under-16 South American Championship with the yellow jersey.
At the end of last year, the striker signed Bahia’s first professional contract, with a fine of R$100 million euros (around R$610 million). A way for Tricolor to protect itself from harassment from clubs in Europe. Dell has been monitored by teams from outside the country. In December, he was scouted by Milan. One of the clubs managed by the City Group, Manchester City also follows closely in the boy’s footsteps.
NAME AND INSPIRATION
Due to his goalscoring instinct and physical resemblance, Dell earned the nickname ‘Haaland do Sertão’, a reference to the Norwegian player from Manchester City. The boy has fun with the fans’ games.
“I take it very calmly. The Esquadrão fans gave me that nickname and I liked it. Haaland is someone I look up to both on and off the field, he is an idol for me. I watch videos of him, I watch his movements…. I learn a lot watching him play”, Dell told UOL.
Despite the comparison with Haaland, the Bahia player does not hide that he is also inspired by another center forward, who is much closer.
I like players who have similar movements to mine. In Bahia there is Tiago, who is from the under-20s and also from the professional ranks. Outside the club, here in Brazil, there’s Yuri Alberto: he’s a guy I like to watch because of his movements and his way of finishing. He also likes to leave the area a little, make the play and then attack the area to finish. I identify with it,” he explained.
Bahia counts on Dell’s goals to win another Copa São Paulo. This Thursday (16), Tricolor will face Cruzeiro, at 4pm, in the round of 16 of the competition. The match will be played in the city of São Carlos.
