Players like Philipp Sander
CM/CDM/CBHolstein Kiel · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitPhilipp Sander's profile ↗
The players most similar to Philipp Sander are Ozan Kabak, Enric Llansana, Samú Costa. Doppel rates Ozan Kabak (TSG Hoffenheim) a 81/100 overall match — 94/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Enric Llansana scores 85/100 at about €2.1m. Data as of September 2026.
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Philipp Sander is a tenacious defensive midfielder, excelling in tackles and interceptions, making him a key disruptor in the midfield. With a Sofascore rating that places him in the top 41% of his peers, he demonstrates solid reliability and durability, missing only 15 games over the last three seasons. While he may not be a creative force in terms of chances created, his ability to win duels and dominate aerial battles makes him an invaluable asset for Holstein Kiel's defensive structure.
Strengths: Tackles + interceptions, Touches, Aerial duels won %. Availability: 15 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Philipp Sander
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ozan Kabaksimilar↗ | TSG Hoffenheim | 26 | €15m | 94 | 81 |
| 2 | Enric Llansanasimilar↗ | Go Ahead Eagles | 25 | €2.1m | 92 | 85 |
| 3 | Samú Costasimilar↗ | Mallorca | 26 | €15m | 92 | 82 |
| 4 | Juan Foythsimilar↗ | Villarreal | 28 | €8.6m | 92 | 81 |
| 5 | Jacobo Ramónsimilar↗ | Como | 21 | €32m | 92 | 84 |
| 6 | Piero Hincapiésimilar↗ | Bayer 04 Leverkusen | 24 | €46m | 91 | 82 |
| 7 | Ross Sykessimilar↗ | Royale Union Saint-Gilloise | 27 | €4.9m | 91 | 83 |
| 8 | Terry Devlinsimilar↗ | Portsmouth | 23 | €3.9m | 91 | 81 |
| 9 | Casemirosimilar↗ | Manchester United | 34 | €5.5m | 91 | 82 |
| 10 | Oumar Soletsimilar↗ | Udinese | 26 | €22m | 90 | 81 |
| 11 | Joško Gvardiolsimilar↗ | Manchester City | 24 | €64m | 90 | 81 |
| 12 | Darko Nejašmićsimilar↗ | NEC Nijmegen | 27 | €4.1m | 90 | 82 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Philipp Sander
≈ 100% Philipp Sander · strong: Finishing (npG − npxG, Tackles + interceptions · low reliability
Strengths: Finishing (npG − npxG /90), Tackles + interceptions /90, Aerial duels won /90
≈ 100% Philipp Sander · strong: Duels won, Tackles + interceptions · low reliability
Strengths: Duels won /90, Tackles + interceptions /90, Aerial duels won /90
≈ 100% Philipp Sander · strong: Duels won, Non-penalty goals · low reliability
Strengths: Duels won /90, Non-penalty goals /90, Finishing (npG − npxG /90)
FAQ
Who is the best replacement for Philipp Sander?
By Doppel's fit score, Ozan Kabak (TSG Hoffenheim) is the closest profile to Philipp Sander, with a 81/100 overall match. Enric Llansana and Samú Costa are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Philipp Sander?
Yes. Enric Llansana (Go Ahead Eagles) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 85/100 at roughly €2.1m.
How does Doppel find players similar to Philipp Sander?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Philipp Sander'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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