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, Lukas Willen scores 83/100 at about €600k. Data as of October 2026.
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Mertcan Ayhan is an aggressive, ball-playing centre-back who thrives in possession, showcasing impressive ability to win the ball in the attacking third and complete successful dribbles. Despite currently being rated in the bottom tier of his positional peers, his strengths indicate potential for growth in a more dynamic role. With only 13 games missed over the past three seasons, he demonstrates reliability and durability, making him a promising prospect for the future.
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 | Deveron Fonvillesimilar↗ | NEC Nijmegen | 23 | €1.5m | 93 | 86 |
| 6 | Rhys Norrington-Daviessimilar↗ | Queens Park Rangers | 27 | €2.3m | 92 | 85 |
| 7 | Olivier Aertssensimilar↗ | PEC Zwolle | 22 | €600k | 91 | 86 |
| 8 | Andreas Ndojsimilar↗ | Rio Ave | 23 | €5.4m | 91 | 84 |
| 9 | Adam Obertsimilar↗ | Cagliari | 24 | €6.4m | 91 | 85 |
| 10 | Marvin Peersmansimilar↗ | SC Telstar | 35 | €200k | 91 | 85 |
| 11 | Ameen Al-Dakhilsimilar↗ | VfB Stuttgart | 24 | €3.1m | 91 | 85 |
| 12 | Hamza El Kaouakibisimilar↗ | Südtirol | 28 | €600k | 90 | 86 |
* 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 closest look-alike to Mertcan Ayhan?
Statistically, Nicolas Cozza (Nantes) is the closest look-alike to Mertcan Ayhan — a 86/100 profile match (95/100 on playing style). Here "look-alike" means the most similar playing style and output, not appearance.
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. Lukas Willen (SV Zulte Waregem) plays a similar centre back role and rates 83/100 at roughly €600k.
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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