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 October 2026.
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Tom Cairney is a highly skilled ball-playing central midfielder who excels in orchestrating play and maintaining possession. With an impressive Sofascore rating placing him in the top 40% of his peers, his ability to deliver accurate final-third passes and maintain high touch volume sets him apart. Cairney’s aerial prowess and successful dribbling further enhance his effectiveness, making him a reliable presence in the midfield. His durability is a standout trait, having missed only three games in the last three seasons, showcasing his reliability and fitness.
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↗ | Juventus | 28 | €13m | 89 | 82 |
| 5 | Gianluca Busiosimilar↗ | Venezia | 24 | €7.3m | 88 | 81 |
| 6 | Riley McGreesimilar↗ | Middlesbrough | 28 | €3.6m | 87 | 81 |
| 7 | Kevin Sessasimilar↗ | Hertha BSC | 26 | €800k | 87 | 83 |
| 8 | Hakan Çalhanoğlusimilar↗ | Inter | 32 | €17m | 87 | 81 |
| 9 | Ivan Ilićsimilar↗ | Lecce | 25 | €6.8m | 87 | 81 |
| 10 | Ryan Merlensimilar↗ | Sint-Truidense VV | 24 | €1.0m | 87 | 82 |
| 11 | Joey Veermansimilar↗ | PSV Eindhoven | 28 | €26m | 87 | 80 |
| 12 | John Swiftsimilar↗ | Portsmouth | 31 | €800k | 87 | 82 |
* 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 closest look-alike to Tom Cairney?
Statistically, Lewis Ferguson (Bologna) is the closest look-alike to Tom Cairney — a 82/100 profile match (92/100 on playing style). Here "look-alike" means the most similar playing style and output, not appearance.
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 (Hertha BSC) 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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