Players like Pepe
CBFC Porto · 2023/24 · ranked by tactical + market fitPepe's profile ↗
The players most similar to Pepe are Robin Pröpper, Eric Smith, Eric García. Doppel rates Robin Pröpper (FC Twente) a 83/100 overall match — 94/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Luke Ayling scores 84/100 at about €400k. Data as of October 2026.
Building your XI? Put Pepe in a lineup and get the whole team rated on real data.Build a lineup →About Pepe
Pepe is a ball-playing centre-back renowned for his exceptional distribution, evidenced by his elite accuracy in long balls and final-third passes. With a Sofascore rating in the top 16% of his peers, he showcases a unique ability to initiate attacks from deep while contributing key passes. Despite a slight dip in defensive metrics like clearances and aerial duels, his reliability is underscored by only seven missed games in the last three seasons, making him a durable asset in any backline.
Strengths: Accurate long balls, Accurate final-third passes, Key passes. Availability: 7 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Pepe
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Robin Pröppersimilar↗ | FC Twente | 33 | €1.2m | 94 | 83 |
| 2 | Eric Smithsimilar↗ | FC St. Pauli | 29 | €5.3m | 92 | 86 |
| 3 | Eric Garcíasimilar↗ | FC Barcelona | 25 | €39m | 91 | 84 |
| 4 | Lewis Dunksimilar↗ | Brighton & Hove Albion | 35 | €3.6m | 90 | 85 |
| 5 | Nicolás Otamendisimilar↗ | Benfica | 38 | €1.1m | 90 | 84 |
| 6 | André Ramalhosimilar↗ | Corinthians | 34 | €800k | 90 | 84 |
| 7 | Luke Aylingsimilar↗ | Middlesbrough | 35 | €400k | 90 | 84 |
| 8 | Piero Hincapiésimilar↗ | Arsenal | 24 | €46m | 90 | 84 |
| 9 | Jeffrey Gouweleeuwsimilar↗ | FC Augsburg | 35 | €1.0m | 89 | 84 |
| 10 | Joedrick Pupesimilar↗ | Sint-Truidense VV | 29 | €1.3m | 89 | 83 |
| 11 | Lewis Schoutensimilar↗ | AZ Alkmaar | 22 | €700k | 88 | 83 |
| 12 | Philipp Sandersimilar↗ | Borussia M'gladbach | 28 | €4.2m | 88 | 84 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Pepe
≈ 100% Pepe · strong: Accurate final-third passes, Accurate long balls · low reliability
Strengths: Accurate final-third passes /90, Accurate long balls /90, Non-penalty goals /90
≈ 100% Pepe · strong: Accurate crosses, Key passes · low reliability
Strengths: Accurate crosses /90, Key passes /90, Possession won in att. third /90
≈ 100% Pepe · strong: Accurate final-third passes, Key passes · low reliability
Strengths: Accurate final-third passes /90, Key passes /90, Touches /90
FAQ
Who is the closest look-alike to Pepe?
Statistically, Robin Pröpper (FC Twente) is the closest look-alike to Pepe — a 83/100 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 Pepe?
By Doppel's fit score, Robin Pröpper (FC Twente) is the closest profile to Pepe, with a 83/100 overall match. Eric Smith and Eric García are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Pepe?
Yes. Luke Ayling (Middlesbrough) plays a similar centre back role and rates 84/100 at roughly €400k.
How does Doppel find players similar to Pepe?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Pepe's 2023/24 season, then ranks centre backs across the big-5 leagues and more by how closely they match, adjusting for league strength and market value.
Want the full, budget-aware shortlist with heatmaps and your own filters?
Run your own search on Doppel →