Players like João Neves
CMBenfica · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitJoão Neves's profile ↗
The players most similar to João Neves are Leon Goretzka, Douglas Luiz, Teun Koopmeiners. Doppel rates Leon Goretzka (FC Bayern München) a 85/100 overall match — 95/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Pablo Fornals scores 83/100 at about €8.4m. Data as of September 2026.
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João Neves is a dynamic deep-lying playmaker, showcasing elite vision and precision in his passing. With a Sofascore rating in the top 4% of his peers, he dominates midfield with his exceptional ability to win possession in the attacking third and deliver accurate long balls. His reliability is underscored by limited absences, making him a durable asset for Benfica. Neves is poised to be a key orchestrator in any setup, seamlessly blending control with incisive distribution.
Strengths: Touches, Accurate long balls, Sofascore rating. Availability: 15 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to João Neves
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leon Goretzkasimilar↗ | FC Bayern München | 31 | €11m | 95 | 85 |
| 2 | Douglas Luizsimilar↗ | Aston Villa | 28 | €19m | 95 | 86 |
| 3 | Teun Koopmeinerssimilar↗ | Atalanta | 28 | €13m | 94 | 86 |
| 4 | Joey Veermansimilar↗ | PSV Eindhoven | 28 | €26m | 94 | 86 |
| 5 | Pablo Fornalssimilar↗ | Real Betis | 30 | €8.4m | 93 | 83 |
| 6 | Nadiem Amirisimilar↗ | 1. FSV Mainz 05 | 30 | €16m | 93 | 85 |
| 7 | Malik Tillmansimilar↗ | PSV Eindhoven | 24 | €27m | 93 | 85 |
| 8 | Azzedine Ounahisimilar↗ | Girona FC | 26 | €10m | 93 | 85 |
| 9 | Brais Méndezsimilar↗ | Real Sociedad | 29 | €7.8m | 93 | 84 |
| 10 | Gjivai Zechiëlsimilar↗ | FC Utrecht | 22 | €11m | 92 | 87 |
| 11 | Giovani Lo Celsosimilar↗ | Real Betis | 30 | €7.8m | 92 | 84 |
| 12 | Hakan Çalhanoğlusimilar↗ | Inter | 32 | €17m | 91 | 84 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match João Neves
≈ 100% João Neves · strong: Sofascore rating, Touches · low reliability
Strengths: Sofascore rating, Touches /90, Shots /90
≈ 100% João Neves · strong: Touches, xG + xA · low reliability
Strengths: Touches /90, xG + xA /90, Sofascore rating
≈ 100% João Neves · strong: Finishing (npG − npxG, Non-penalty goals · low reliability
Strengths: Finishing (npG − npxG /90), Non-penalty goals /90, Key passes /90
FAQ
Who is the best replacement for João Neves?
By Doppel's fit score, Leon Goretzka (FC Bayern München) is the closest profile to João Neves, with a 85/100 overall match. Douglas Luiz and Teun Koopmeiners are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to João Neves?
Yes. Pablo Fornals (Real Betis) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 83/100 at roughly €8.4m.
How does Doppel find players similar to João Neves?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from João Neves'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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