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, Amir Richardson, Melle Meulensteen. Doppel rates Darko Nejašmić (NEC Nijmegen) a 81/100 overall match — 93/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Enric Llansana scores 80/100 at about €2.1m. Data as of October 2026.
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Milan Badelj is a seasoned defensive midfielder known for his tenacious ball-winning abilities and tactical awareness. With a Sofascore rating placing him in the top 43% of his positional peers, he excels in tackles and interceptions, showcasing his defensive prowess. His ability to deliver accurate long balls adds a strategic layer to his game, while his durability is evident, having missed only seven games in the last three seasons. A reliable anchor in midfield, Badelj brings experience and stability to Genoa's engine room.
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 | Amir Richardsonsimilar↗ | Le Havre | 24 | €3.9m | 91 | 80 |
| 3 | Melle Meulensteensimilar↗ | Go Ahead Eagles | 27 | €2.4m | 90 | 80 |
| 4 | Lewis Mileysimilar↗ | Newcastle United | 20 | €27m | 90 | 80 |
| 5 | Enric Llansanasimilar↗ | RSC Anderlecht | 25 | €2.1m | 89 | 80 |
| 6 | Andrey Santossimilar↗ | Manchester United | 22 | €39m | 89 | 79 |
| 7 | Alex Scottsimilar↗ | Bournemouth | 23 | €53m | 88 | 79 |
| 8 | Jan Schöppnersimilar↗ | 1. FC Heidenheim | 27 | €3.2m | 88 | 80 |
| 9 | Santi Comesañasimilar↗ | Villarreal | 30 | €8.4m | 87 | 79 |
| 10 | Beñat Gerenabarrenasimilar↗ | Athletic Club | 23 | €1.0m | 86 | 79 |
| 11 | Leon Goretzkasimilar↗ | FC Bayern München | 31 | €11m | 86 | 80 |
| 12 | Rocco Reitzsimilar↗ | RB Leipzig | 24 | €22m | 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: Finishing (npG − npxG, Non-penalty goals · medium reliability
Strengths: Finishing (npG − npxG /90), Non-penalty goals /90, Aerial duels won %
≈ 100% Milan Badelj · strong: Clearances, Aerial duels won · low reliability
Strengths: Clearances /90, Aerial duels won /90, Sofascore rating
FAQ
Who is the closest look-alike to Milan Badelj?
Statistically, Darko Nejašmić (NEC Nijmegen) is the closest look-alike to Milan Badelj — a 81/100 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 Milan Badelj?
By Doppel's fit score, Darko Nejašmić (NEC Nijmegen) is the closest profile to Milan Badelj, with a 81/100 overall match. Amir Richardson and Melle Meulensteen are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Milan Badelj?
Yes. Enric Llansana (RSC Anderlecht) plays a similar defensive midfielder role and rates 80/100 at roughly €2.1m.
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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