Players like Mertcan Ayhan
CBFC Schalke 04 · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitMertcan Ayhan's profile ↗
The players most similar to Mertcan Ayhan are Nicolas Cozza, Zak Sturge, Lukas Willen. Doppel rates Nicolas Cozza (Nantes) a 86/100 overall match — 95/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Marvin Peersman scores 85/100 at about €200k. Data as of September 2026.
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Mertcan Ayhan is an ambitious ball-playing centre-back, showcasing impressive skills in possession and distribution. Despite a Sofascore rating in the bottom 23% of his peers, he excels in winning possession in the attacking third and completing successful dribbles, highlighting his ability to contribute offensively from the back. With just 13 games missed over the last three seasons, he’s a reliable presence on the pitch, though he may need to improve his aerial duels to elevate his game further.
Strengths: Possession won in att. third, Successful dribbles, Accurate crosses. Availability: 13 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Mertcan Ayhan
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nicolas Cozzasimilar↗ | Nantes | 27 | €2.7m | 95 | 86 |
| 2 | Zak Sturgesimilar↗ | Millwall | 22 | €3.9m | 94 | 85 |
| 3 | Lukas Willensimilar↗ | SV Zulte Waregem | 23 | €600k | 93 | 83 |
| 4 | Kelvin Amiansimilar↗ | Nantes | 28 | €2.1m | 93 | 84 |
| 5 | Rhys Norrington-Daviessimilar↗ | Queens Park Rangers | 27 | €2.3m | 92 | 85 |
| 6 | Olivier Aertssensimilar↗ | PEC Zwolle | 22 | €600k | 91 | 86 |
| 7 | Andreas Ndojsimilar↗ | Rio Ave | 23 | €5.4m | 91 | 84 |
| 8 | Marvin Peersmansimilar↗ | FC Groningen | 35 | €200k | 91 | 85 |
| 9 | Adam Obertsimilar↗ | Cagliari | 24 | €6.4m | 91 | 85 |
| 10 | Ameen Al-Dakhilsimilar↗ | Burnley | 24 | €3.1m | 91 | 85 |
| 11 | Hamza El Kaouakibisimilar↗ | Südtirol | 28 | €600k | 90 | 86 |
| 12 | Ahmetcan Kaplansimilar↗ | NEC Nijmegen | 23 | €6.5m | 90 | 83 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Mertcan Ayhan
≈ 100% Mertcan Ayhan · strong: Possession won in att. third, Accurate crosses · low reliability
Strengths: Possession won in att. third /90, Accurate crosses /90
≈ 100% Mertcan Ayhan · strong: Successful dribbles, Accurate crosses · low reliability
Strengths: Successful dribbles /90, Accurate crosses /90
≈ 100% Mertcan Ayhan · strong: Key passes, Possession won in att. third · medium reliability
Strengths: Key passes /90, Possession won in att. third /90
FAQ
Who is the best replacement for Mertcan Ayhan?
By Doppel's fit score, Nicolas Cozza (Nantes) is the closest profile to Mertcan Ayhan, with a 86/100 overall match. Zak Sturge and Lukas Willen are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Mertcan Ayhan?
Yes. Marvin Peersman (FC Groningen) plays a similar centre back role and rates 85/100 at roughly €200k.
How does Doppel find players similar to Mertcan Ayhan?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Mertcan Ayhan's 2025/26 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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