Players like Granit Xhaka
CM/CDMSunderland · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitGranit Xhaka's profile ↗
The players most similar to Granit Xhaka are James Garner, Joris van Overeem, Éderson. Doppel rates James Garner (Everton) a 81/100 overall match — 93/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Joris van Overeem scores 81/100 at about €900k. Data as of September 2026.
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Granit Xhaka is a top-tier defensive midfielder known for his commanding presence and precise distribution. With an impressive Sofascore rating in the top 3% of his peers, he excels at delivering accurate long balls and making crucial clearances, showcasing his ability to dictate play from deep. At 34, his durability is a significant asset, missing only five games in the last three seasons, underscoring his reliability in the heart of Sunderland's midfield.
Strengths: Accurate long balls, Sofascore rating, Clearances. Availability: 5 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Granit Xhaka
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | James Garnersimilar↗ | Everton | 25 | €48m | 93 | 81 |
| 2 | Joris van Overeemsimilar↗ | SC Heerenveen | 32 | €900k | 91 | 81 |
| 3 | Édersonsimilar↗ | Atalanta | 27 | €43m | 91 | 82 |
| 4 | Corentin Tolissosimilar↗ | Olympique Lyonnais | 32 | €11m | 91 | 81 |
| 5 | Leon Goretzkasimilar↗ | FC Bayern München | 31 | €11m | 90 | 82 |
| 6 | Enric Llansanasimilar↗ | Go Ahead Eagles | 25 | €2.1m | 90 | 80 |
| 7 | Pepelusimilar↗ | Valencia | 28 | €7.3m | 90 | 84 |
| 8 | Ross Barkleysimilar↗ | Luton Town | 33 | €3.6m | 90 | 81 |
| 9 | Casemirosimilar↗ | Manchester United | 34 | €5.5m | 89 | 81 |
| 10 | Kodai Sanosimilar↗ | NEC Nijmegen | 23 | €13m | 89 | 80 |
| 11 | Dani Parejosimilar↗ | Villarreal | 37 | €1.0m | 89 | 81 |
| 12 | Neil El Aynaouisimilar↗ | RC Lens | 25 | €22m | 89 | 81 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Granit Xhaka
≈ 100% Granit Xhaka · strong: Tackles + interceptions, Accurate crosses · low reliability
Strengths: Tackles + interceptions /90, Accurate crosses /90, Touches /90
≈ 100% Granit Xhaka · strong: Accurate long balls, Sofascore rating · low reliability
Strengths: Accurate long balls /90, Sofascore rating, Clearances /90
≈ 100% Granit Xhaka · strong: Accurate final-third passes, Touches · low reliability
Strengths: Accurate final-third passes /90, Touches /90, Accurate long balls /90
FAQ
Who is the best replacement for Granit Xhaka?
By Doppel's fit score, James Garner (Everton) is the closest profile to Granit Xhaka, with a 81/100 overall match. Joris van Overeem and Éderson are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Granit Xhaka?
Yes. Joris van Overeem (SC Heerenveen) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 81/100 at roughly €900k.
How does Doppel find players similar to Granit Xhaka?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Granit Xhaka'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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