Cheaper alternatives to Ao Tanaka
CM/CDMFortuna Düsseldorf · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitAo Tanaka's profile ↗
Ao Tanaka is a central midfielder/defensive midfielder for Fortuna Düsseldorf in the 2. Bundesliga, having made 28 appearances in the 2025/26 season. For those seeking a cheaper alternative to Tanaka, James Ward-Prowse (West Ham United, fit 85/100, market value €4m) and Matúš Bero (VfL Bochum 1848, fit 85/100, market value €1m) are notable options, alongside Filip Krastev (PEC Zwolle, fit 84/100, market value €3m).
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| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | James Ward-Prowsesimilar↗ | West Ham United | 32 | €4.5m | 91 | 85 |
| 2 | Matúš Berosimilar↗ | VfL Bochum 1848 | 31 | €900k | 93 | 85 |
| 3 | Filip Krastevsimilar↗ | PEC Zwolle | 25 | €2.9m | 89 | 84 |
| 4 | Pascal Großsimilar↗ | Brighton & Hove Albion | 35 | €2.3m | 88 | 84 |
| 5 | Gjivai Zechiëlsimilar↗ | FC Utrecht | 22 | €11m | 86 | 84 |
| 6 | Samusimilar↗ | Vizela | 30 | €2.4m | 87 | 84 |
| 7 | Cameron Puertassimilar↗ | Royale Union Saint-Gilloise | 28 | €6.8m | 85 | 83 |
| 8 | Gianluca Busiosimilar↗ | Venezia | 24 | €7.3m | 88 | 83 |
| 9 | Kamory Doumbiasimilar↗ | Stade Brestois | 23 | €9.8m | 88 | 83 |
| 10 | Marvin Mehlemsimilar↗ | Darmstadt 98 | 29 | €800k | 88 | 83 |
| 11 | Juninho Bacunasimilar↗ | Birmingham City | 29 | €1.8m | 86 | 83 |
| 12 | Fabian Riedersimilar↗ | FC Augsburg | 24 | €11m | 87 | 83 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Ao Tanaka
≈ 100% Ao Tanaka · strong: Accurate crosses, Key passes · low reliability
Strengths: Accurate crosses /90, Key passes /90, Big chances created /90
≈ 100% Ao Tanaka · strong: Possession won in att. third, Accurate crosses · low reliability
Strengths: Possession won in att. third /90, Accurate crosses /90, Key passes /90
≈ 100% Ao Tanaka · strong: Successful dribbles, Possession won in att. third · medium reliability
Strengths: Successful dribbles /90, Possession won in att. third /90, Duels won /90
FAQ
What is the cheapest alternative to Ao Tanaka?
Matúš Bero (VfL Bochum 1848) is among the most affordable similar profiles, at roughly €900k with a 85/100 match to Ao Tanaka.
Who is the best-value alternative to Ao Tanaka?
James Ward-Prowse offers the best balance of fit and price among the alternatives, rated 85/100 at about €4.5m.
How does Doppel choose alternatives to Ao Tanaka?
Doppel ranks players in the same detailed position (central midfielder) by how closely they match Ao Tanaka'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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