Players like Matthijs de Ligt
CBManchester United · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitMatthijs de Ligt's profile ↗
The players most similar to Matthijs de Ligt are Marc Guéhi, Jan Paul van Hecke, Kike Salas. Doppel rates Marc Guéhi (Manchester City) a 85/100 overall match — 94/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Patrick Mainka scores 84/100 at about €2.6m. Data as of September 2026.
Building your XI? Put Matthijs de Ligt in a lineup and get the whole team rated on real data.Build a lineup →About Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt is a dynamic, goal-scoring centre-back who excels in contributing offensively from the back. With his impressive ability to generate shots and non-penalty goals, he stands out in the top 10% of his peers, showcasing his attacking instincts. Although he has struggled with injuries, his overall quality remains strong, reflecting a player who can significantly impact both defensive solidity and offensive set-pieces when fit.
Strengths: Shots, Touches, Non-penalty goals. Availability: 54 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Matthijs de Ligt
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marc Guéhisimilar↗ | Manchester City | 26 | €66m | 94 | 85 |
| 2 | Jan Paul van Heckesimilar↗ | Brighton & Hove Albion | 26 | €49m | 94 | 85 |
| 3 | Kike Salassimilar↗ | Sevilla | 24 | €15m | 93 | 84 |
| 4 | Leopold Querfeldsimilar↗ | 1. FC Union Berlin | 23 | €19m | 92 | 87 |
| 5 | Piero Hincapiésimilar↗ | Bayer 04 Leverkusen | 24 | €46m | 92 | 85 |
| 6 | Patrick Mainkasimilar↗ | 1. FC Heidenheim | 32 | €2.6m | 92 | 84 |
| 7 | Charlie Cresswellsimilar↗ | Toulouse | 24 | €24m | 92 | 86 |
| 8 | Konstantinos Koulierakissimilar↗ | VfL Wolfsburg | 23 | €24m | 92 | 86 |
| 9 | Edgaras Utkussimilar↗ | Cercle Brugge | 26 | €1.5m | 92 | 87 |
| 10 | Dean Huijsensimilar↗ | Bournemouth | 21 | €66m | 92 | 84 |
| 11 | Justin Hubnersimilar↗ | Fortuna Sittard | 23 | €1.0m | 91 | 88 |
| 12 | Jacobo Ramónsimilar↗ | Como | 21 | €32m | 91 | 86 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Matthijs de Ligt
≈ 100% Matthijs de Ligt · strong: xG + xA, Accurate final-third passes · low reliability
Strengths: xG + xA /90, Accurate final-third passes /90, Sofascore rating
≈ 100% Matthijs de Ligt · strong: Touches, Duels won · low reliability
Strengths: Touches /90, Duels won /90, Sofascore rating
≈ 100% Matthijs de Ligt · strong: Shots, Non-penalty goals · low reliability
Strengths: Shots /90, Non-penalty goals /90, Duels won /90
FAQ
Who is the best replacement for Matthijs de Ligt?
By Doppel's fit score, Marc Guéhi (Manchester City) is the closest profile to Matthijs de Ligt, with a 85/100 overall match. Jan Paul van Hecke and Kike Salas are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Matthijs de Ligt?
Yes. Patrick Mainka (1. FC Heidenheim) plays a similar centre back role and rates 84/100 at roughly €2.6m.
How does Doppel find players similar to Matthijs de Ligt?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Matthijs de Ligt'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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