Players like James Sands
CM/CDMFC St. Pauli · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitJames Sands's profile ↗
The players most similar to James Sands are Carlos Benavídez, Stanko Jurić, Chema Andrés. Doppel rates Carlos Benavídez (Deportivo Alavés) a 77/100 overall match — 94/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Giulio Maggiore scores 78/100 at about €500k. Data as of October 2026.
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James Sands is a tenacious defensive midfielder, excelling in breaking up play and dominating aerial duels, ranking in the top 2% for aerial duels won. Despite a Sofascore rating in the bottom 26% of his peers, his ability to win tackles and interceptions makes him a reliable presence in the midfield. However, his injury history raises concerns about his durability, having missed significant time over the last three seasons.
Strengths: Aerial duels won, Duels won, Tackles + interceptions. Availability: 72 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to James Sands
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlos Benavídezsimilar↗ | Deportivo Alavés | 28 | €1.0m | 94 | 77 |
| 2 | Stanko Jurićsimilar↗ | Real Valladolid | 30 | €1.1m | 92 | 79 |
| 3 | Chema Andréssimilar↗ | VfB Stuttgart | 21 | €19m | 91 | 77 |
| 4 | Philipp Sandersimilar↗ | Borussia M'gladbach | 28 | €4.2m | 91 | 78 |
| 5 | Terry Devlinsimilar↗ | Portsmouth | 23 | €3.9m | 90 | 77 |
| 6 | Enric Llansanasimilar↗ | RSC Anderlecht | 25 | €2.1m | 90 | 81 |
| 7 | Giulio Maggioresimilar↗ | Bari | 28 | €500k | 89 | 78 |
| 8 | Mikel Vesgasimilar↗ | Athletic Club | 33 | €1.2m | 89 | 80 |
| 9 | Tomáš Součeksimilar↗ | West Ham United | 31 | €9.7m | 88 | 80 |
| 10 | Rubén Alcarazsimilar↗ | Granada | 35 | €300k | 88 | 76 |
| 11 | Adam Carlénsimilar↗ | Excelsior | 26 | €400k | 88 | 77 |
| 12 | José Gragerasimilar↗ | Deportivo de A Coruña | 26 | €1.3m | 87 | 77 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match James Sands
≈ 100% James Sands · strong: Tackles + interceptions, Duels won · medium reliability
Strengths: Tackles + interceptions /90, Duels won /90, Finishing (npG − npxG /90)
≈ 100% James Sands · strong: Aerial duels won, Tackles + interceptions · low reliability
Strengths: Aerial duels won /90, Tackles + interceptions /90, Aerial duels won %
≈ 100% James Sands · strong: Aerial duels won, Clearances · medium reliability
Strengths: Aerial duels won /90, Clearances /90, Finishing (npG − npxG /90)
FAQ
Who is the closest look-alike to James Sands?
Statistically, Carlos Benavídez (Deportivo Alavés) is the closest look-alike to James Sands — a 77/100 profile match (94/100 on playing style). Here "look-alike" means the most similar playing style and output, not appearance.
Who is the best replacement for James Sands?
By Doppel's fit score, Carlos Benavídez (Deportivo Alavés) is the closest profile to James Sands, with a 77/100 overall match. Stanko Jurić and Chema Andrés are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to James Sands?
Yes. Giulio Maggiore (Bari) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 78/100 at roughly €500k.
How does Doppel find players similar to James Sands?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from James Sands'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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