Players like Will Hughes
CM/CDMCrystal Palace · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitWill Hughes's profile ↗
The players most similar to Will Hughes are Kristian Thorstvedt, Gabriel Menino, Lewis Miley. Doppel rates Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo) a 85/100 overall match — 92/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Carles Aleñá scores 82/100 at about €2.8m. Data as of October 2026.
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Will Hughes is a tenacious central midfielder known for his defensive prowess and playmaking abilities. With an elite ability to win tackles and interceptions, he consistently disrupts opposition play while also creating key chances, showcasing his dual threat. His durability is impressive, having missed only one game in the last three seasons, making him a reliable asset in the heart of the midfield. While finishing isn't his strong suit, his contribution in build-up and defensive phases makes him a valuable team player.
Strengths: Tackles + interceptions, Key passes, Duels won. Availability: 1 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Will Hughes
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kristian Thorstvedtsimilar↗ | Sassuolo | 27 | €12m | 92 | 85 |
| 2 | Gabriel Meninosimilar↗ | Santos | 26 | €7.3m | 92 | 81 |
| 3 | Lewis Mileysimilar↗ | Newcastle United | 20 | €27m | 92 | 81 |
| 4 | Rocco Reitzsimilar↗ | RB Leipzig | 24 | €22m | 90 | 82 |
| 5 | Carles Aleñásimilar↗ | Deportivo Alavés | 28 | €2.8m | 89 | 82 |
| 6 | Edu Expósitosimilar↗ | Espanyol | 30 | €4.5m | 88 | 84 |
| 7 | Pepelusimilar↗ | Valencia | 28 | €7.3m | 88 | 83 |
| 8 | Mattias Svanbergsimilar↗ | VfL Wolfsburg | 27 | €8.3m | 88 | 82 |
| 9 | Jon Ander Olasagastisimilar↗ | Levante UD | 26 | €2.7m | 88 | 83 |
| 10 | Kevin Sessasimilar↗ | Hertha BSC | 26 | €800k | 88 | 85 |
| 11 | Samusimilar↗ | Vitória SC | 30 | €2.4m | 88 | 84 |
| 12 | André Almeidasimilar↗ | Real Racing Club | 26 | €6.2m | 87 | 82 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Will Hughes
≈ 100% Will Hughes · strong: xG + xA, Shots · low reliability
Strengths: xG + xA /90, Shots /90, Non-penalty goals /90
≈ 100% Will Hughes · strong: Shots, Accurate long balls · medium reliability
Strengths: Shots /90, Accurate long balls /90, Accurate crosses /90
≈ 100% Will Hughes · strong: Aerial duels won, Aerial duels won % · medium reliability
Strengths: Aerial duels won /90, Aerial duels won %, Touches /90
FAQ
Who is the closest look-alike to Will Hughes?
Statistically, Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo) is the closest look-alike to Will Hughes — a 85/100 profile match (92/100 on playing style). Here "look-alike" means the most similar playing style and output, not appearance.
Who is the best replacement for Will Hughes?
By Doppel's fit score, Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo) is the closest profile to Will Hughes, with a 85/100 overall match. Gabriel Menino and Lewis Miley are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Will Hughes?
Yes. Carles Aleñá (Deportivo Alavés) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 82/100 at roughly €2.8m.
How does Doppel find players similar to Will Hughes?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Will Hughes'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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