Players like Tom Cairney
CM/CDM/CAMFulham · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitTom Cairney's profile ↗
The players most similar to Tom Cairney are Lewis Ferguson, Hans Vanaken, Leon Goretzka. Doppel rates Lewis Ferguson (Bologna) a 82/100 overall match — 92/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Kevin Sessa scores 83/100 at about €800k. Data as of September 2026.
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Tom Cairney is a savvy ball-playing central midfielder, excelling in dictating play with pinpoint final-third passes and a high volume of touches. His elite ability in the air complements his creative output, making him a valuable asset in both build-up and defensive phases. With only three games missed in the last three seasons, Cairney's durability further enhances his reliability on the pitch, solidifying his position as a top performer among his peers.
Strengths: Accurate final-third passes, Touches, Aerial duels won %. Availability: 3 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Tom Cairney
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lewis Fergusonsimilar↗ | Bologna | 27 | €13m | 92 | 82 |
| 2 | Hans Vanakensimilar↗ | Club Brugge KV | 34 | €4.8m | 91 | 81 |
| 3 | Leon Goretzkasimilar↗ | FC Bayern München | 31 | €11m | 90 | 81 |
| 4 | Teun Koopmeinerssimilar↗ | Atalanta | 28 | €13m | 89 | 82 |
| 5 | Gianluca Busiosimilar↗ | Venezia | 24 | €7.3m | 88 | 81 |
| 6 | Riley McGreesimilar↗ | Middlesbrough | 28 | €3.6m | 87 | 81 |
| 7 | Douglas Luizsimilar↗ | Aston Villa | 28 | €19m | 87 | 80 |
| 8 | Kevin Sessasimilar↗ | 1. FC Heidenheim | 26 | €800k | 87 | 83 |
| 9 | Hakan Çalhanoğlusimilar↗ | Inter | 32 | €17m | 87 | 81 |
| 10 | Ivan Ilićsimilar↗ | Torino | 25 | €6.8m | 87 | 81 |
| 11 | Ryan Merlensimilar↗ | Sint-Truidense VV | 24 | €1.0m | 87 | 82 |
| 12 | Joey Veermansimilar↗ | PSV Eindhoven | 28 | €26m | 87 | 81 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Tom Cairney
≈ 100% Tom Cairney · strong: Accurate final-third passes, Touches · low reliability
Strengths: Accurate final-third passes /90, Touches /90, Sofascore rating
≈ 100% Tom Cairney · strong: Sofascore rating, Accurate long balls · low reliability
Strengths: Sofascore rating, Accurate long balls /90, Accurate final-third passes /90
≈ 100% Tom Cairney · strong: Touches, Sofascore rating · low reliability
Strengths: Touches /90, Sofascore rating, Accurate final-third passes /90
FAQ
Who is the best replacement for Tom Cairney?
By Doppel's fit score, Lewis Ferguson (Bologna) is the closest profile to Tom Cairney, with a 82/100 overall match. Hans Vanaken and Leon Goretzka are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Tom Cairney?
Yes. Kevin Sessa (1. FC Heidenheim) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 83/100 at roughly €800k.
How does Doppel find players similar to Tom Cairney?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Tom Cairney'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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