Players like Ilia Gruev
CM/CDMLeeds United · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitIlia Gruev's profile ↗
The players most similar to Ilia Gruev are Gvidas Gineitis, Joel Silva, Alexander Prass. Doppel rates Gvidas Gineitis (Torino) a 80/100 overall match — 90/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Joel Silva scores 80/100 at about €400k. Data as of September 2026.
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Ilia Gruev is a robust defensive midfielder, excelling in aerial duels and contributing effectively to tackles and interceptions, marking him as a reliable presence in the heart of the midfield. Despite his Sofascore rating placing him in the bottom 46% of his positional peers, his ability to disrupt opposition play is notable. However, his tendency to struggle in offensive contributions and injury history raises concerns about his overall impact and durability.
Strengths: Aerial duels won %, Tackles + interceptions, Accurate crosses. Availability: 30 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Ilia Gruev
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gvidas Gineitissimilar↗ | Torino | 22 | €5.0m | 90 | 80 |
| 2 | Joel Silvasimilar↗ | Boavista | 23 | €400k | 90 | 80 |
| 3 | Alexander Prasssimilar↗ | TSG Hoffenheim | 25 | €8.7m | 90 | 80 |
| 4 | Beñat Gerenabarrenasimilar↗ | CD Castellón | 23 | €1.0m | 90 | 81 |
| 5 | Josh Laurentsimilar↗ | Burnley | 31 | €1.5m | 89 | 80 |
| 6 | Julian Baassimilar↗ | Excelsior | 24 | €800k | 89 | 80 |
| 7 | Jan Schöppnersimilar↗ | 1. FC Heidenheim | 27 | €3.2m | 88 | 80 |
| 8 | Doğucan Haspolatsimilar↗ | KVC Westerlo | 26 | €5.2m | 88 | 81 |
| 9 | Rocco Reitzsimilar↗ | Borussia M'gladbach | 24 | €22m | 88 | 80 |
| 10 | Dariusz Stalmachsimilar↗ | 1. FC Magdeburg | 21 | €1.6m | 86 | 82 |
| 11 | Sydie Pecksimilar↗ | Sheffield United | 22 | €15m | 86 | 82 |
| 12 | Adam Whartonsimilar↗ | Crystal Palace | 22 | €74m | 86 | 80 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Ilia Gruev
≈ 100% Ilia Gruev · strong: Duels won, Accurate crosses · medium reliability
Strengths: Duels won /90, Accurate crosses /90, Big chances created /90
≈ 100% Ilia Gruev · strong: Tackles + interceptions · low reliability
Strengths: Tackles + interceptions /90
≈ 100% Ilia Gruev · strong: Clearances, Big chances created · medium reliability
Strengths: Clearances /90, Big chances created /90, Touches /90
FAQ
Who is the best replacement for Ilia Gruev?
By Doppel's fit score, Gvidas Gineitis (Torino) is the closest profile to Ilia Gruev, with a 80/100 overall match. Joel Silva and Alexander Prass are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Ilia Gruev?
Yes. Joel Silva (Boavista) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 80/100 at roughly €400k.
How does Doppel find players similar to Ilia Gruev?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Ilia Gruev'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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