Players like Exequiel Palacios
CM/CDMBayer 04 Leverkusen · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitExequiel Palacios's profile ↗
The players most similar to Exequiel Palacios are Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Pascal Groß, Christian Eriksen. Doppel rates Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Inter) a 83/100 overall match — 92/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Pascal Groß scores 85/100 at about €2.3m. Data as of September 2026.
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Exequiel Palacios is a dynamic central midfielder, excelling as a possession-driven playmaker who thrives in the attacking third. With a top 2% Sofascore rating among his peers, he showcases remarkable ability to control the game, boasting elite metrics in touches and accurate final-third passes. Although his aerial duel success is not a strong point, his vision and reliability in ball recovery make him a crucial asset for Bayer 04 Leverkusen, despite a history of injuries limiting his availability.
Strengths: Touches, Possession won in att. third, Accurate final-third passes. Availability: 45 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Exequiel Palacios
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Henrikh Mkhitaryansimilar↗ | Inter | 37 | €2.9m | 92 | 83 |
| 2 | Pascal Großsimilar↗ | Brighton & Hove Albion | 35 | €2.3m | 90 | 85 |
| 3 | Christian Eriksensimilar↗ | VfL Wolfsburg | 34 | €2.4m | 90 | 85 |
| 4 | Adam Whartonsimilar↗ | Crystal Palace | 22 | €74m | 90 | 82 |
| 5 | Curtis Jonessimilar↗ | Liverpool FC | 25 | €33m | 90 | 81 |
| 6 | Samusimilar↗ | Vizela | 30 | €2.4m | 89 | 85 |
| 7 | Leon Goretzkasimilar↗ | FC Bayern München | 31 | €11m | 89 | 82 |
| 8 | Bruno Fernandessimilar↗ | Manchester United | 32 | €32m | 89 | 81 |
| 9 | Sydie Pecksimilar↗ | Sheffield United | 22 | €15m | 89 | 84 |
| 10 | Youssouf Fofanasimilar↗ | AS Monaco | 27 | €25m | 89 | 81 |
| 11 | Enzo Fernándezsimilar↗ | Chelsea | 25 | €87m | 89 | 81 |
| 12 | Mario Pašalićsimilar↗ | Atalanta | 31 | €6.2m | 88 | 81 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Exequiel Palacios
≈ 100% Exequiel Palacios · strong: Accurate final-third passes, Sofascore rating · low reliability
Strengths: Accurate final-third passes /90, Sofascore rating, Touches /90
≈ 100% Exequiel Palacios · strong: Accurate crosses, Touches · low reliability
Strengths: Accurate crosses /90, Touches /90, Key passes /90
≈ 100% Exequiel Palacios · strong: Big chances created, Key passes · low reliability
Strengths: Big chances created /90, Key passes /90, xG + xA /90
FAQ
Who is the best replacement for Exequiel Palacios?
By Doppel's fit score, Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Inter) is the closest profile to Exequiel Palacios, with a 83/100 overall match. Pascal Groß and Christian Eriksen are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Exequiel Palacios?
Yes. Pascal Groß (Brighton & Hove Albion) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 85/100 at roughly €2.3m.
How does Doppel find players similar to Exequiel Palacios?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Exequiel Palacios'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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