Players like Jefferson Lerma
CM/CDMCrystal Palace · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitJefferson Lerma's profile ↗
The players most similar to Jefferson Lerma are Jackson Irvine, Roberto Gagliardini, Mikel Vesga. Doppel rates Jackson Irvine (FC St. Pauli) a 82/100 overall match — 93/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Ander Herrera scores 79/100 at about €400k. Data as of September 2026.
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Jefferson Lerma is a robust defensive midfielder with a strong aerial presence and exceptional defensive instincts. He excels in aerial duels and clearances, ranking among the top percentile for both, showcasing his ability to dominate in midfield battles and contribute defensively. With a solid Sofascore rating placing him in the top 39% of his peers, Lerma is a durable asset, having missed only 14 games over the last three seasons, making him a reliable choice for any squad.
Strengths: Aerial duels won, Clearances, Aerial duels won %. Availability: 14 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Jefferson Lerma
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jackson Irvinesimilar↗ | FC St. Pauli | 33 | €1.1m | 93 | 82 |
| 2 | Roberto Gagliardinisimilar↗ | Monza | 32 | €1.2m | 92 | 80 |
| 3 | Mikel Vesgasimilar↗ | Athletic Club | 33 | €1.2m | 91 | 81 |
| 4 | Enric Llansanasimilar↗ | Go Ahead Eagles | 25 | €2.1m | 90 | 81 |
| 5 | Peer Koopmeinerssimilar↗ | AZ Alkmaar | 26 | €13m | 90 | 78 |
| 6 | Pepelusimilar↗ | Valencia | 28 | €7.3m | 90 | 84 |
| 7 | Bryan Cristantesimilar↗ | AS Roma | 31 | €7.7m | 89 | 78 |
| 8 | Ander Herrerasimilar↗ | Athletic Club | 37 | €400k | 89 | 79 |
| 9 | Casemirosimilar↗ | Manchester United | 34 | €5.5m | 88 | 80 |
| 10 | Tomáš Součeksimilar↗ | West Ham United | 31 | €9.7m | 88 | 80 |
| 11 | Jan Schöppnersimilar↗ | 1. FC Heidenheim | 27 | €3.2m | 88 | 80 |
| 12 | Gerard Gumbausimilar↗ | Granada | 32 | €1.2m | 88 | 79 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Jefferson Lerma
≈ 100% Jefferson Lerma · strong: Aerial duels won, Clearances · low reliability
Strengths: Aerial duels won /90, Clearances /90, Big chances created /90
≈ 100% Jefferson Lerma · strong: Touches, Aerial duels won · low reliability
Strengths: Touches /90, Aerial duels won /90, Tackles + interceptions /90
≈ 100% Jefferson Lerma · strong: Tackles + interceptions, Possession won in att. third · medium reliability
Strengths: Tackles + interceptions /90, Possession won in att. third /90, Aerial duels won /90
FAQ
Who is the best replacement for Jefferson Lerma?
By Doppel's fit score, Jackson Irvine (FC St. Pauli) is the closest profile to Jefferson Lerma, with a 82/100 overall match. Roberto Gagliardini and Mikel Vesga are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Jefferson Lerma?
Yes. Ander Herrera (Athletic Club) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 79/100 at roughly €400k.
How does Doppel find players similar to Jefferson Lerma?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Jefferson Lerma's 2025/26 season, then ranks central midfielders across the big-5 leagues and more by how closely they match, adjusting for league strength and market value.
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