Cheaper alternatives to Mikel Merino
CMArsenal · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitMikel Merino's profile ↗
Mikel Merino is a central midfielder for Arsenal in the Premier League, with 22 appearances and a market value of €26m in the 2025/26 season. For those seeking a cheaper alternative to Merino, options include Eric Ebimbe from Eintracht Frankfurt, valued at €6m with a fit score of 87/100, and Noah Naujoks from Excelsior, valued at €1m with a fit score of 86/100.
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| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eric Ebimbesimilar↗ | Eintracht Frankfurt | 26 | €6.5m | 92 | 87 |
| 2 | Noah Naujokssimilar↗ | Excelsior | 24 | €1.4m | 86 | 86 |
| 3 | Filip Krastevsimilar↗ | PEC Zwolle | 25 | €2.9m | 90 | 85 |
| 4 | Cameron Puertassimilar↗ | Royale Union Saint-Gilloise | 28 | €6.8m | 87 | 84 |
| 5 | Leon Goretzkasimilar↗ | FC Bayern München | 31 | €11m | 93 | 84 |
| 6 | Kamory Doumbiasimilar↗ | Stade Brestois | 23 | €9.8m | 90 | 84 |
| 7 | Jae-sung Leesimilar↗ | 1. FSV Mainz 05 | 34 | €2.1m | 92 | 84 |
| 8 | Corentin Tolissosimilar↗ | Olympique Lyonnais | 32 | €11m | 95 | 84 |
| 9 | Kevin Sessasimilar↗ | 1. FC Heidenheim | 26 | €800k | 86 | 84 |
| 10 | Kristian Hlynssonsimilar↗ | FC Twente | 22 | €5.7m | 83 | 83 |
| 11 | Gjivai Zechiëlsimilar↗ | FC Utrecht | 22 | €11m | 85 | 83 |
| 12 | Juninho Bacunasimilar↗ | Birmingham City | 29 | €1.8m | 86 | 83 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Mikel Merino
≈ 100% Mikel Merino · strong: Successful dribbles, Shots · medium reliability
Strengths: Successful dribbles /90, Shots /90, Possession won in att. third /90
≈ 100% Mikel Merino · strong: Non-penalty goals, Shots · low reliability
Strengths: Non-penalty goals /90, Shots /90, Aerial duels won /90
≈ 100% Mikel Merino · 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 Mikel Merino?
Noah Naujoks (Excelsior) is among the most affordable similar profiles, at roughly €1.4m with a 86/100 match to Mikel Merino.
Who is the best-value alternative to Mikel Merino?
Eric Ebimbe offers the best balance of fit and price among the alternatives, rated 87/100 at about €6.5m.
How does Doppel choose alternatives to Mikel Merino?
Doppel ranks players in the same detailed position (central midfielder) by how closely they match Mikel Merino'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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