Players like Alan Varela
CM/CDMFC Porto · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitAlan Varela's profile ↗
Alan Varela is a central midfielder/defensive midfielder for FC Porto in the Primeira Liga, with 30 appearances and 2 goals in the 2025/26 season. Players similar to Varela include Mathis Servais from KV Mechelen, who has a fit score of 85/100, and Gianluca Busio from Venezia, with a fit score of 86/100. Both players exhibit comparable roles and statistical profiles, making them suitable alternatives for teams seeking to replace or replicate Varela's contributions.
About Alan Varela
Alan Varela is a reliable defensive midfielder known for his aerial prowess, winning a notable percentage of duels in the air, which adds a vital dimension to his game. With a solid presence in the midfield and a Sofascore rating placing him in the top 28% of his positional peers, he consistently contributes to his team's stability. His durability is remarkable, having missed no games in the last three seasons, showcasing his reliability and fitness. While his tackling and interception metrics could see improvement, his overall impact on the game is undeniable.
Strengths: Aerial duels won %. Availability: no injuries recorded in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Alan Varela
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bruno Henriquesimilar↗ | Internacional | 37 | €300k | 93 | 84 |
| 2 | Mathis Servaissimilar↗ | KV Mechelen | 22 | €3.8m | 93 | 85 |
| 3 | Gianluca Busiosimilar↗ | Venezia | 24 | €7.3m | 93 | 86 |
| 4 | Sydie Pecksimilar↗ | Sheffield United | 22 | €15m | 92 | 86 |
| 5 | Doğucan Haspolatsimilar↗ | KVC Westerlo | 26 | €5.2m | 92 | 84 |
| 6 | Lincolnsimilar↗ | FC Alverca | 28 | €3.7m | 92 | 84 |
| 7 | Oscar Fraulosimilar↗ | FC Utrecht | 23 | €2.7m | 92 | 83 |
| 8 | Kartal Kayra Yılmazsimilar↗ | Kayserispor | 26 | €2.4m | 91 | 83 |
| 9 | Kenneth Taylorsimilar↗ | AFC Ajax | 24 | €26m | 91 | 83 |
| 10 | Simone Pontissosimilar↗ | Catanzaro | 29 | €1.1m | 90 | 83 |
| 11 | Roman Kvetsimilar↗ | FCV Dender | 29 | €1.2m | 90 | 83 |
| 12 | Nuno Santossimilar↗ | Vitória SC | 27 | €2.7m | 90 | 86 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · data: Sofascore, last 3 seasons
Why these players match Alan Varela
≈ 100% Alan Varela · strong: Shots · medium reliability
Strengths: Shots /90
≈ 100% Alan Varela · strong: Accurate crosses · low reliability
Strengths: Accurate crosses /90
≈ 100% Alan Varela · strong: Sofascore rating, Aerial duels won % · low reliability
Strengths: Sofascore rating, Aerial duels won %, Accurate final-third passes /90
FAQ
Who is the best replacement for Alan Varela?
By Doppel's fit score, Bruno Henrique (Internacional) is the closest profile to Alan Varela, with a 84/100 overall match. Mathis Servais and Gianluca Busio are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Alan Varela?
Yes. Bruno Henrique (Internacional) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 84/100 at roughly €300k.
How does Doppel find players similar to Alan Varela?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Alan Varela'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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