Scout Report: Wendel
In another Scout Report I have taken a look at one of Brazil’s finest young defensive midfielders, who currently plays for Sporting CP in Lisbon, Portugal and has most recently been linked with Everton and Paris Saint-Germain.
Formerly Marcus Wendel Valle da Silva, born 28 September 1997, the young Brazilian began his career Fluminense before a stuttered move to PSG landed him in the arms Sporting CP for around 7.5 million euros.
Despite being listed as defensive midfielder, Wendel is more of a deep-lying playmaker and can pivot further forward when needed, often playing in a midfield three, usually has the role of progressing the ball into more attacking positions but is more than capable of winning the ball back in key defensive areas. Wendel is a player who likes to see the ball a lot passing 57 times per 90 minutes at 94% accuracy, the majority of these are lateral but that is due the fact Sporting play using their fullbacks as wingers. Despite this, the young Brazilian makes 6.9 progressive forward passes at 80% accuracy per 90 minutes. Defensively, Wendell wins 59% of defensive duels and makes 2.2 interceptions per 90 minutes, showing he is more than capable to do the dirty work of a defensive midfielder when needed.
Wendel’s primary midfield role seems to be one that involves keeping the team moving, with a receive, pass, move style, Wendel works well with a 1-2 to the players around him that allows him to move them and the ball up the field. The player has good use of the ball under pressure, utilising space and not losing the ball. He is the type of midfielder perfect for holding and using the ball whilst attackers get into position or find space allowing him to find a more creative player to find that attacker. Wendel is almost certainly a player who can be built around with more offensive players.
Wendel has 23 times for Sporting CF and scored 2 goals this season, he got himself in trouble with the team for disappearing and going the watch a Champions League tie between Juventus and Ajax and this has led to some rumbles about his off-field attitude. With that said, at 22, Wendel has a good amount of top level football under his belt and could be ready for a step up, with Everton and PSG linked with his signature.
