Players like Leander Dendoncker
CM/CDMReal Oviedo · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitLeander Dendoncker's profile ↗
The players most similar to Leander Dendoncker are Eric Martel, Philipp Sander, Mauricio Benitez. Doppel rates Eric Martel (1. FC Köln) a 79/100 overall match — 94/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Nicolas Schiavi scores 77/100 at about €400k. Data as of October 2026.
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Leander Dendoncker is a robust defensive midfielder, excelling in aerial duels and providing a strong presence in the heart of the midfield. With a Sofascore rating in the top 36% of his peers, he showcases reliability and durability, missing only 13 games in three seasons. His ability to win headers and make crucial clearances underlines his defensive acumen, making him a valuable asset in breaking up opposition play. While his attacking metrics may not shine, his defensive contributions are vital for any team looking for stability in midfield.
Strengths: Aerial duels won, Clearances, Tackles + interceptions. Availability: 13 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Leander Dendoncker
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eric Martelsimilar↗ | 1. FC Köln | 24 | €8.2m | 94 | 79 |
| 2 | Philipp Sandersimilar↗ | Borussia M'gladbach | 28 | €4.2m | 93 | 80 |
| 3 | Mauricio Benitezsimilar↗ | Royal Antwerp FC | 22 | €2.3m | 92 | 79 |
| 4 | Stanko Jurićsimilar↗ | Real Valladolid | 30 | €1.1m | 92 | 79 |
| 5 | Terry Devlinsimilar↗ | Portsmouth | 23 | €3.9m | 91 | 77 |
| 6 | Peru Nolaskoainsimilar↗ | Eibar | 28 | €800k | 91 | 78 |
| 7 | Julian Niehuessimilar↗ | 1. FC Heidenheim | 25 | €1.6m | 89 | 78 |
| 8 | Nicolas Schiavisimilar↗ | Carrarese | 31 | €400k | 89 | 77 |
| 9 | Giulio Maggioresimilar↗ | Bari | 28 | €500k | 89 | 78 |
| 10 | Adam Carlénsimilar↗ | Excelsior | 26 | €400k | 89 | 77 |
| 11 | Santiago Castañedasimilar↗ | SC Paderborn 07 | 22 | €5.2m | 88 | 78 |
| 12 | José Gragerasimilar↗ | Deportivo de A Coruña | 26 | €1.3m | 88 | 77 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Leander Dendoncker
≈ 100% Leander Dendoncker · strong: Aerial duels won, Clearances · low reliability
Strengths: Aerial duels won /90, Clearances /90, Sofascore rating
≈ 100% Leander Dendoncker · strong: Clearances, Tackles + interceptions · low reliability
Strengths: Clearances /90, Tackles + interceptions /90, Aerial duels won /90
≈ 100% Leander Dendoncker · strong: Tackles + interceptions, Finishing (npG − npxG · medium reliability
Strengths: Tackles + interceptions /90, Finishing (npG − npxG /90), Non-penalty goals /90
FAQ
Who is the closest look-alike to Leander Dendoncker?
Statistically, Eric Martel (1. FC Köln) is the closest look-alike to Leander Dendoncker — a 79/100 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 Leander Dendoncker?
By Doppel's fit score, Eric Martel (1. FC Köln) is the closest profile to Leander Dendoncker, with a 79/100 overall match. Philipp Sander and Mauricio Benitez are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Leander Dendoncker?
Yes. Nicolas Schiavi (Carrarese) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 77/100 at roughly €400k.
How does Doppel find players similar to Leander Dendoncker?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Leander Dendoncker'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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