Cheaper alternatives to Ilia Gruev
CM/CDMLeeds United · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitIlia Gruev's profile ↗
Ilia Gruev is a central midfielder/defensive midfielder for Leeds United in the Championship, with 23 appearances in the 2025/26 season. For those seeking a cheaper alternative to Gruev, Noah Naujoks from Excelsior offers a fit score of 82/100 at a market value of €1m, while Dariusz Stalmach of 1. FC Magdeburg also boasts a fit score of 82/100, valued at €2m.
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| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Noah Naujokssimilar↗ | Excelsior | 24 | €1.4m | 78 | 82 |
| 2 | Dariusz Stalmachsimilar↗ | 1. FC Magdeburg | 21 | €1.6m | 86 | 82 |
| 3 | Doğucan Haspolatsimilar↗ | KVC Westerlo | 26 | €5.2m | 88 | 81 |
| 4 | Samusimilar↗ | Vizela | 30 | €2.4m | 83 | 81 |
| 5 | Beñat Gerenabarrenasimilar↗ | CD Castellón | 23 | €1.0m | 90 | 81 |
| 6 | Jon Ander Olasagastisimilar↗ | Levante UD | 26 | €2.7m | 85 | 81 |
| 7 | Kevin Sessasimilar↗ | 1. FC Heidenheim | 26 | €800k | 81 | 81 |
| 8 | Edu Expósitosimilar↗ | Espanyol | 30 | €4.5m | 84 | 81 |
| 9 | Eric Ebimbesimilar↗ | Eintracht Frankfurt | 26 | €6.5m | 81 | 80 |
| 10 | Alexander Prasssimilar↗ | TSG Hoffenheim | 25 | €8.7m | 90 | 80 |
| 11 | Jan Schöppnersimilar↗ | 1. FC Heidenheim | 27 | €3.2m | 88 | 80 |
| 12 | Mattias Svanbergsimilar↗ | VfL Wolfsburg | 27 | €8.3m | 85 | 80 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Ilia Gruev
≈ 100% Ilia Gruev · strong: Non-penalty goals, Shots · low reliability
Strengths: Non-penalty goals /90, Shots /90, Aerial duels won /90
≈ 100% Ilia Gruev · strong: Big chances created, Duels won · medium reliability
Strengths: Big chances created /90, Duels won /90, Non-penalty goals /90
≈ 100% Ilia Gruev · strong: Accurate crosses, Key passes · low reliability
Strengths: Accurate crosses /90, Key passes /90, Sofascore rating
FAQ
What is the cheapest alternative to Ilia Gruev?
Kevin Sessa (1. FC Heidenheim) is among the most affordable similar profiles, at roughly €800k with a 81/100 match to Ilia Gruev.
Who is the best-value alternative to Ilia Gruev?
Noah Naujoks offers the best balance of fit and price among the alternatives, rated 82/100 at about €1.4m.
How does Doppel choose alternatives to Ilia Gruev?
Doppel ranks players in the same detailed position (central midfielder) by how closely they match Ilia Gruev's statistical profile, then keeps those priced below him — league-strength adjusted, top leagues across Europe and South America, last 3 seasons.
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