Players like Tom Gaal
CB/RBSSV Ulm 1846 · 2024/25 · ranked by tactical + market fitTom Gaal's profile ↗
The players most similar to Tom Gaal are David Zec, Martin Gjone, Tommaso Cassandro. Doppel rates David Zec (Holstein Kiel) a 84/100 overall match — 89/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Nick Viergever scores 81/100 at about €300k. Data as of July 2026.
About Tom Gaal
Tom Gaal is a versatile defender, capable of playing both centre-back and right-back, though his overall performance metrics indicate he’s currently not operating at a high level. With a Sofascore rating in the bottom 40%, he struggles particularly in duels and possession recovery, which are crucial for a player in his position. However, his durability is a plus, having missed only 11 games over the last three seasons, showcasing his reliability on the pitch.
Availability: 11 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Tom Gaal
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | David Zecsimilar↗ | Holstein Kiel | 26 | €2.3m | 89 | 84 |
| 2 | Martin Gjonesimilar↗ | HamKam | 21 | €700k | 89 | 83 |
| 3 | Tommaso Cassandrosimilar↗ | Catanzaro | 26 | €2.1m | 89 | 82 |
| 4 | Santiago Buenosimilar↗ | Wolverhampton | 28 | €9.2m | 89 | 82 |
| 5 | Michał Heliksimilar↗ | Oxford United | 31 | €1.0m | 88 | 84 |
| 6 | Henrik Heggheimsimilar↗ | Viking FK | 25 | €1.9m | 88 | 83 |
| 7 | Linus Gechtersimilar↗ | Hertha BSC | 22 | €3.2m | 87 | 85 |
| 8 | Nick Viergeversimilar↗ | FC Utrecht | 37 | €300k | 87 | 81 |
| 9 | Gabriele Guarinosimilar↗ | Empoli | 22 | €3.6m | 87 | 83 |
| 10 | Casper Widellsimilar↗ | Excelsior | 23 | €1.5m | 86 | 81 |
| 11 | Caleb Taylorsimilar↗ | Millwall | 23 | €4.6m | 86 | 83 |
| 12 | Silvan Widmersimilar↗ | 1. FSV Mainz 05 | 33 | €700k | 86 | 81 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · data: Sofascore, last 3 seasons
Why these players match Tom Gaal
≈ 100% Tom Gaal · strong: xG + xA, Non-penalty goals · low reliability
Strengths: xG + xA /90, Non-penalty goals /90, Finishing (npG − npxG /90)
≈ 100% Tom Gaal · strong: Accurate crosses · medium reliability
Strengths: Accurate crosses /90
≈ 100% Tom Gaal · strong: Accurate crosses, Non-penalty goals · low reliability
Strengths: Accurate crosses /90, Non-penalty goals /90, Shots /90
FAQ
Who is the best replacement for Tom Gaal?
By Doppel's fit score, David Zec (Holstein Kiel) is the closest profile to Tom Gaal, with a 84/100 overall match. Martin Gjone and Tommaso Cassandro are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Tom Gaal?
Yes. Nick Viergever (FC Utrecht) plays a similar centre back role and rates 81/100 at roughly €300k.
How does Doppel find players similar to Tom Gaal?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Tom Gaal's 2024/25 season, then ranks centre backs across the big-5 leagues and more by how closely they match, adjusting for league strength and market value.
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