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 October 2026.
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Ilia Gruev is a robust defensive midfielder known for his aerial prowess and strong tackling abilities, making him a reliable shield for the backline. Despite a Sofascore rating placing him in the bottom 46% among his peers, his top-tier aerial duels won and solid defensive contributions highlight his effectiveness in disrupting opposition play. However, his injury history raises concerns about his durability, having missed significant game time in recent seasons.
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↗ | CD Nacional | 23 | €400k | 90 | 80 |
| 3 | Alexander Prasssimilar↗ | TSG Hoffenheim | 25 | €8.7m | 90 | 80 |
| 4 | Beñat Gerenabarrenasimilar↗ | Athletic Club | 23 | €1.0m | 90 | 81 |
| 5 | Josh Laurentsimilar↗ | Burnley | 31 | €1.5m | 89 | 80 |
| 6 | Julian Baassimilar↗ | Sparta Rotterdam | 24 | €800k | 89 | 80 |
| 7 | Jan Schöppnersimilar↗ | 1. FC Heidenheim | 27 | €3.2m | 88 | 80 |
| 8 | Youri Regeersimilar↗ | AFC Ajax | 23 | €4.7m | 88 | 80 |
| 9 | Doğucan Haspolatsimilar↗ | KVC Westerlo | 26 | €5.2m | 88 | 81 |
| 10 | Rocco Reitzsimilar↗ | RB Leipzig | 24 | €22m | 88 | 80 |
| 11 | Dariusz Stalmachsimilar↗ | SV Werder Bremen | 21 | €1.6m | 86 | 82 |
| 12 | Sydie Pecksimilar↗ | Sheffield United | 22 | €15m | 86 | 82 |
* 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 closest look-alike to Ilia Gruev?
Statistically, Gvidas Gineitis (Torino) is the closest look-alike to Ilia Gruev — a 80/100 profile match (90/100 on playing style). Here "look-alike" means the most similar playing style and output, not appearance.
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 (CD Nacional) 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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