Players like Virgil van Dijk
CBLiverpool FC · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitVirgil van Dijk's profile ↗
The players most similar to Virgil van Dijk are Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Leo Østigård, Dean Huijsen. Doppel rates Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Southampton) a 85/100 overall match — 93/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Matthias Ginter scores 84/100 at about €4.8m. Data as of September 2026.
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Virgil van Dijk is an elite ball-playing centre-back, commanding the defensive line with both aerial prowess and goal-scoring ability. With an outstanding Sofascore rating in the top 2% of his peers, he excels in winning duels and making clearances, showcasing his dominance in the air and his defensive intelligence. His durability is remarkable, having missed only two games in the last three seasons, ensuring he remains a reliable cornerstone for Liverpool's backline.
Strengths: Aerial duels won, Clearances, Non-penalty goals. Availability: 2 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Virgil van Dijk
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taylor Harwood-Bellissimilar↗ | Southampton | 24 | €22m | 93 | 85 |
| 2 | Leo Østigårdsimilar↗ | Genoa | 27 | €14m | 93 | 85 |
| 3 | Dean Huijsensimilar↗ | Bournemouth | 21 | €66m | 92 | 84 |
| 4 | Jan Paul van Heckesimilar↗ | Brighton & Hove Albion | 26 | €49m | 91 | 83 |
| 5 | Matthias Gintersimilar↗ | SC Freiburg | 32 | €4.8m | 91 | 84 |
| 6 | Cristian Romerosimilar↗ | Tottenham Hotspur | 28 | €42m | 90 | 82 |
| 7 | Ross Sykessimilar↗ | Royale Union Saint-Gilloise | 27 | €4.9m | 90 | 87 |
| 8 | Luka Vuškovićsimilar↗ | KVC Westerlo | 19 | €64m | 89 | 82 |
| 9 | Mike Van der Hoornsimilar↗ | FC Utrecht | 34 | €800k | 89 | 82 |
| 10 | Gustaf Lagerbielkesimilar↗ | Sporting Braga | 26 | €10m | 88 | 82 |
| 11 | Danilho Doekhisimilar↗ | 1. FC Union Berlin | 28 | €14m | 88 | 82 |
| 12 | André Ramalhosimilar↗ | PSV Eindhoven | 34 | €800k | 88 | 82 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Virgil van Dijk
≈ 100% Virgil van Dijk · strong: Sofascore rating, Non-penalty goals · low reliability
Strengths: Sofascore rating, Non-penalty goals /90, Finishing (npG − npxG /90)
≈ 100% Virgil van Dijk · strong: Non-penalty goals, Clearances · low reliability
Strengths: Non-penalty goals /90, Clearances /90, Aerial duels won /90
≈ 100% Virgil van Dijk · strong: Clearances, Accurate long balls · low reliability
Strengths: Clearances /90, Accurate long balls /90, Accurate final-third passes /90
FAQ
Who is the best replacement for Virgil van Dijk?
By Doppel's fit score, Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Southampton) is the closest profile to Virgil van Dijk, with a 85/100 overall match. Leo Østigård and Dean Huijsen are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Virgil van Dijk?
Yes. Matthias Ginter (SC Freiburg) plays a similar centre back role and rates 84/100 at roughly €4.8m.
How does Doppel find players similar to Virgil van Dijk?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Virgil van Dijk'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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