Players like Ao Tanaka
CM/CDMFortuna Düsseldorf · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitAo Tanaka's profile ↗
The players most similar to Ao Tanaka are Matúš Bero, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Neil El Aynaoui. Doppel rates Matúš Bero (VfL Bochum 1848) a 85/100 overall match — 93/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Matúš Bero scores 85/100 at about €900k. Data as of September 2026.
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Ao Tanaka is a highly reliable central midfielder with a strong aerial presence and a knack for controlling the game. With a Sofascore rating in the top 19% of his peers, he excels in winning aerial duels and distributing accurate passes in the final third, making him a valuable asset in both defensive and transitional phases. While his dribbling isn't a standout trait, his durability is commendable, having missed only eight games in the past three seasons.
Strengths: Aerial duels won %, Touches, Accurate final-third passes. Availability: 8 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Ao Tanaka
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matúš Berosimilar↗ | VfL Bochum 1848 | 31 | €900k | 93 | 85 |
| 2 | Hakan Çalhanoğlusimilar↗ | Inter | 32 | €17m | 92 | 84 |
| 3 | Neil El Aynaouisimilar↗ | RC Lens | 25 | €22m | 92 | 83 |
| 4 | James Ward-Prowsesimilar↗ | West Ham United | 32 | €4.5m | 91 | 85 |
| 5 | Enzo Le Féesimilar↗ | Sunderland | 26 | €26m | 91 | 83 |
| 6 | Leon Goretzkasimilar↗ | FC Bayern München | 31 | €11m | 90 | 82 |
| 7 | Adam Whartonsimilar↗ | Crystal Palace | 22 | €74m | 90 | 83 |
| 8 | Douglas Luizsimilar↗ | Aston Villa | 28 | €19m | 90 | 82 |
| 9 | Joey Veermansimilar↗ | PSV Eindhoven | 28 | €26m | 89 | 83 |
| 10 | Filip Krastevsimilar↗ | PEC Zwolle | 25 | €2.9m | 89 | 84 |
| 11 | Rihito Yamamotosimilar↗ | Sint-Truidense VV | 25 | €7.4m | 89 | 82 |
| 12 | Senny Mayulusimilar↗ | Paris Saint-Germain | 20 | €38m | 88 | 84 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Ao Tanaka
≈ 100% Ao Tanaka · strong: Possession won in att. third, Accurate crosses · low reliability
Strengths: Possession won in att. third /90, Accurate crosses /90, Key passes /90
≈ 100% Ao Tanaka · strong: Sofascore rating, Accurate long balls · low reliability
Strengths: Sofascore rating, Accurate long balls /90, Accurate crosses /90
≈ 100% Ao Tanaka · strong: Finishing (npG − npxG, Non-penalty goals · medium reliability
Strengths: Finishing (npG − npxG /90), Non-penalty goals /90, Accurate crosses /90
FAQ
Who is the best replacement for Ao Tanaka?
By Doppel's fit score, Matúš Bero (VfL Bochum 1848) is the closest profile to Ao Tanaka, with a 85/100 overall match. Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Neil El Aynaoui are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Ao Tanaka?
Yes. Matúš Bero (VfL Bochum 1848) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 85/100 at roughly €900k.
How does Doppel find players similar to Ao Tanaka?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Ao Tanaka'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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