Players like Milan Badelj
CDM/CMGenoa · 2024/25 · ranked by tactical + market fitMilan Badelj's profile ↗
The players most similar to Milan Badelj are Darko Nejašmić, Melle Meulensteen, Lewis Miley. Doppel rates Darko Nejašmić (NEC Nijmegen) a 81/100 overall match — 93/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Dirk Wanner Proper scores 80/100 at about €1.4m. Data as of September 2026.
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Milan Badelj is a tenacious defensive midfielder, excelling in breaking up play and distributing the ball effectively from deep. With a Sofascore rating placing him in the top 43% of his peers, his ability to tackle and intercept—ranking in the top 10%—highlights his defensive prowess. Additionally, his accuracy in long balls and consistent presence on the pitch, missing only 7 games in the last three seasons, make him a reliable asset in midfield. While he may not create many big chances, his primary strengths ensure a solid foundation for his team.
Strengths: Tackles + interceptions, Accurate long balls, Touches. Availability: 7 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Milan Badelj
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Darko Nejašmićsimilar↗ | NEC Nijmegen | 27 | €4.1m | 93 | 81 |
| 2 | Melle Meulensteensimilar↗ | Go Ahead Eagles | 27 | €2.4m | 90 | 79 |
| 3 | Lewis Mileysimilar↗ | Newcastle United | 20 | €27m | 90 | 80 |
| 4 | Dirk Wanner Propersimilar↗ | NEC Nijmegen | 24 | €1.4m | 89 | 80 |
| 5 | Enric Llansanasimilar↗ | Go Ahead Eagles | 25 | €2.1m | 89 | 80 |
| 6 | Andrey Santossimilar↗ | RC Strasbourg | 22 | €39m | 89 | 79 |
| 7 | Alex Scottsimilar↗ | Bournemouth | 23 | €53m | 88 | 79 |
| 8 | Nathan-Dylan Salibasimilar↗ | RSC Anderlecht | 22 | €6.9m | 88 | 79 |
| 9 | Jan Schöppnersimilar↗ | 1. FC Heidenheim | 27 | €3.2m | 88 | 80 |
| 10 | Kodai Sanosimilar↗ | NEC Nijmegen | 23 | €13m | 87 | 79 |
| 11 | Santi Comesañasimilar↗ | Villarreal | 30 | €8.4m | 87 | 79 |
| 12 | Beñat Gerenabarrenasimilar↗ | CD Castellón | 23 | €1.0m | 86 | 79 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Milan Badelj
≈ 100% Milan Badelj · strong: Aerial duels won, Clearances · low reliability
Strengths: Aerial duels won /90, Clearances /90, Sofascore rating
≈ 100% Milan Badelj · strong: Clearances, Aerial duels won · low reliability
Strengths: Clearances /90, Aerial duels won /90, Sofascore rating
≈ 100% Milan Badelj · strong: Aerial duels won, Aerial duels won % · medium reliability
Strengths: Aerial duels won /90, Aerial duels won %, Touches /90
FAQ
Who is the best replacement for Milan Badelj?
By Doppel's fit score, Darko Nejašmić (NEC Nijmegen) is the closest profile to Milan Badelj, with a 81/100 overall match. Melle Meulensteen and Lewis Miley are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Milan Badelj?
Yes. Dirk Wanner Proper (NEC Nijmegen) plays a similar defensive midfielder role and rates 80/100 at roughly €1.4m.
How does Doppel find players similar to Milan Badelj?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Milan Badelj's 2024/25 season, then ranks defensive midfielders across the big-5 leagues and more by how closely they match, adjusting for league strength and market value.
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