Players like Julian Niehues
CM/CDM1. FC Heidenheim · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitJulian Niehues's profile ↗
The players most similar to Julian Niehues are Samú Costa, Giulio Maggiore, Melle Meulensteen. Doppel rates Samú Costa (Mallorca) a 79/100 overall match — 92/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Giulio Maggiore scores 79/100 at about €500k. Data as of October 2026.
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Julian Niehues is a robust defensive midfielder, excelling in aerial duels and showcasing strong clearance abilities, making him a reliable presence in the heart of the midfield. However, his overall quality ranks in the bottom 35% of his positional peers, indicating room for growth in playmaking aspects. While he has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, his durability in this campaign is a positive sign for Heidenheim as they look to bolster their midfield.
Strengths: Aerial duels won %, Aerial duels won, Clearances. Availability: 42 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Julian Niehues
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Samú Costasimilar↗ | Mallorca | 26 | €15m | 92 | 79 |
| 2 | Giulio Maggioresimilar↗ | Bari | 28 | €500k | 92 | 79 |
| 3 | Melle Meulensteensimilar↗ | Go Ahead Eagles | 27 | €2.4m | 90 | 80 |
| 4 | Enric Llansanasimilar↗ | RSC Anderlecht | 25 | €2.1m | 89 | 80 |
| 5 | Tomáš Součeksimilar↗ | West Ham United | 31 | €9.7m | 89 | 81 |
| 6 | Darko Nejašmićsimilar↗ | NEC Nijmegen | 27 | €4.1m | 89 | 79 |
| 7 | Cesare Casadeisimilar↗ | Torino | 23 | €16m | 88 | 81 |
| 8 | Amir Richardsonsimilar↗ | Le Havre | 24 | €3.9m | 88 | 79 |
| 9 | Martin Palumbosimilar↗ | US Avellino 1912 | 24 | €1.6m | 88 | 79 |
| 10 | Jens Stagesimilar↗ | SV Werder Bremen | 30 | €14m | 87 | 80 |
| 11 | Rafael Bauzàsimilar↗ | Espanyol | 21 | €1.1m | 87 | 79 |
| 12 | Casemirosimilar↗ | Manchester United | 34 | €5.5m | 86 | 79 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Julian Niehues
≈ 100% Julian Niehues · strong: Duels won, Aerial duels won · low reliability
Strengths: Duels won /90, Aerial duels won /90, Clearances /90
≈ 100% Julian Niehues · strong: Finishing (npG − npxG, Non-penalty goals · medium reliability
Strengths: Finishing (npG − npxG /90), Non-penalty goals /90, Tackles + interceptions /90
≈ 100% Julian Niehues · strong: Clearances, Aerial duels won · low reliability
Strengths: Clearances /90, Aerial duels won /90, Sofascore rating
FAQ
Who is the closest look-alike to Julian Niehues?
Statistically, Samú Costa (Mallorca) is the closest look-alike to Julian Niehues — a 79/100 profile match (92/100 on playing style). Here "look-alike" means the most similar playing style and output, not appearance.
Who is the best replacement for Julian Niehues?
By Doppel's fit score, Samú Costa (Mallorca) is the closest profile to Julian Niehues, with a 79/100 overall match. Giulio Maggiore and Melle Meulensteen are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Julian Niehues?
Yes. Giulio Maggiore (Bari) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 79/100 at roughly €500k.
How does Doppel find players similar to Julian Niehues?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Julian Niehues'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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