Players like Nicolas Höfler
CM/CDMSC Freiburg · 2024/25 · ranked by tactical + market fitNicolas Höfler's profile ↗
The players most similar to Nicolas Höfler are Tibe De Vlieger, Anouar El Azzouzi, Luka Hyryläinen. Doppel rates Tibe De Vlieger (KAA Gent) a 75/100 overall match — 91/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Anouar El Azzouzi scores 77/100 at about €1.6m. Data as of October 2026.
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Nicolas Höfler is a tenacious defensive midfielder known for his exceptional ability in duels and aerial battles, making him a robust presence in the midfield. Despite being in the bottom 42% of his peers overall, his durability and reliability shine through, with only two games missed in three seasons. While he may not contribute significantly in terms of creating chances, his tactical awareness and defensive contributions through tackles and interceptions are invaluable to SC Freiburg’s setup.
Strengths: Aerial duels won, Duels won, Tackles + interceptions. Availability: 2 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Nicolas Höfler
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tibe De Vliegersimilar↗ | KAA Gent | 21 | €2.7m | 91 | 75 |
| 2 | Anouar El Azzouzisimilar↗ | Fortuna Düsseldorf | 25 | €1.6m | 91 | 77 |
| 3 | Luka Hyryläinensimilar↗ | 1. FC Magdeburg | 22 | €1.6m | 88 | 78 |
| 4 | Ibrahima Sissokosimilar↗ | Nantes | 29 | €1.9m | 87 | 75 |
| 5 | Samú Costasimilar↗ | Mallorca | 26 | €15m | 86 | 76 |
| 6 | Stije Resinksimilar↗ | FC Groningen | 23 | €7.6m | 86 | 75 |
| 7 | Jefferson Lermasimilar↗ | Crystal Palace | 32 | €5.5m | 85 | 75 |
| 8 | Leonardo Lopessimilar↗ | KAA Gent | 28 | €2.6m | 85 | 77 |
| 9 | Enric Llansanasimilar↗ | RSC Anderlecht | 25 | €2.1m | 85 | 77 |
| 10 | Rabby Nzingoulasimilar↗ | West Bromwich Albion | 21 | €2.1m | 85 | 75 |
| 11 | José Gragerasimilar↗ | Deportivo de A Coruña | 26 | €1.3m | 84 | 75 |
| 12 | Ugo Raghoubersimilar↗ | Burnley | 23 | €2.8m | 84 | 76 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Nicolas Höfler
≈ 100% Nicolas Höfler · strong: Duels won, Aerial duels won · medium reliability
Strengths: Duels won /90, Aerial duels won /90, Sofascore rating
≈ 100% Nicolas Höfler · strong: Clearances, Aerial duels won · low reliability
Strengths: Clearances /90, Aerial duels won /90, Duels won /90
≈ 100% Nicolas Höfler · strong: Aerial duels won · medium reliability
Strengths: Aerial duels won /90
FAQ
Who is the closest look-alike to Nicolas Höfler?
Statistically, Tibe De Vlieger (KAA Gent) is the closest look-alike to Nicolas Höfler — a 75/100 profile match (91/100 on playing style). Here "look-alike" means the most similar playing style and output, not appearance.
Who is the best replacement for Nicolas Höfler?
By Doppel's fit score, Tibe De Vlieger (KAA Gent) is the closest profile to Nicolas Höfler, with a 75/100 overall match. Anouar El Azzouzi and Luka Hyryläinen are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Nicolas Höfler?
Yes. Anouar El Azzouzi (Fortuna Düsseldorf) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 77/100 at roughly €1.6m.
How does Doppel find players similar to Nicolas Höfler?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Nicolas Höfler's 2024/25 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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