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 October 2026.
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Virgil van Dijk is an elite aerially dominant centre-back, excelling in both defensive and offensive set-pieces with a remarkable knack for scoring goals. His top 2% Sofascore rating underscores his exceptional quality, showcasing his ability to clear danger and contribute to the attack. While he may not be the most aggressive in tackles and interceptions, his durability is impressive, missing only two games in the last three seasons, making him a reliable cornerstone in any defense.
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↗ | Real Madrid | 21 | €66m | 92 | 84 |
| 4 | Jan Paul van Heckesimilar↗ | Tottenham Hotspur | 26 | €65m | 91 | 83 |
| 5 | Matthias Gintersimilar↗ | SC Freiburg | 32 | €4.8m | 91 | 84 |
| 6 | Cristian Romerosimilar↗ | Atlético Madrid | 28 | €46m | 90 | 82 |
| 7 | Ross Sykessimilar↗ | Royale Union Saint-Gilloise | 27 | €4.9m | 90 | 87 |
| 8 | Luka Vuškovićsimilar↗ | Brighton & Hove Albion | 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↗ | Lazio | 28 | €14m | 88 | 82 |
| 12 | André Ramalhosimilar↗ | Corinthians | 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 closest look-alike to Virgil van Dijk?
Statistically, Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Southampton) is the closest look-alike to Virgil van Dijk — a 85/100 profile match (93/100 on playing style). Here "look-alike" means the most similar playing style and output, not appearance.
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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