Players like Mikel Villanueva
CB/LBVitória SC · 2024/25 · ranked by tactical + market fitMikel Villanueva's profile ↗
The players most similar to Mikel Villanueva are Fabio Gruber, Sohaib Nair, Kialonda Gaspar. Doppel rates Fabio Gruber (1. FSV Mainz 05) a 80/100 overall match — 92/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Josue Escartin scores 80/100 at about €300k. Data as of October 2026.
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Mikel Villanueva is a reliable ball-playing centre-back with a knack for delivering accurate long balls, ranking in the top 3% among his peers. His aerial prowess further solidifies his defensive capabilities, making him a formidable presence in the air. While he may not contribute offensively, his experience and durability are assets, though his injury history raises questions about consistency. Overall, Villanueva stands out as a solid performer in the defensive line, showcasing quality in critical areas.
Strengths: Accurate long balls, Aerial duels won, Aerial duels won %. Availability: 29 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Mikel Villanueva
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fabio Grubersimilar↗ | 1. FSV Mainz 05 | 24 | €2.9m | 92 | 80 |
| 2 | Sohaib Nairsimilar↗ | Guingamp | 24 | €1.9m | 92 | 80 |
| 3 | Kialonda Gasparsimilar↗ | Lecce | 29 | €2.9m | 89 | 79 |
| 4 | Dan Zagadousimilar↗ | VfB Stuttgart | 27 | €1.9m | 89 | 81 |
| 5 | Josue Escartinsimilar↗ | Red Star FC | 23 | €300k | 88 | 80 |
| 6 | Timo Hüberssimilar↗ | 1. FC Köln | 30 | €1.4m | 88 | 79 |
| 7 | Malick Thiawsimilar↗ | Newcastle United | 25 | €41m | 87 | 81 |
| 8 | Ze Vitorsimilar↗ | CD Nacional | 25 | €2.4m | 87 | 79 |
| 9 | Casper Widellsimilar↗ | Excelsior | 23 | €1.5m | 86 | 81 |
| 10 | Rio Hillensimilar↗ | NAC Breda | 23 | €700k | 86 | 81 |
| 11 | Teo Quinterosimilar↗ | Sparta Rotterdam | 27 | €1.2m | 85 | 79 |
| 12 | Kevin Dikssimilar↗ | Borussia M'gladbach | 30 | €4.8m | 85 | 81 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Mikel Villanueva
≈ 100% Mikel Villanueva · strong: Aerial duels won, Duels won · low reliability
Strengths: Aerial duels won /90, Duels won /90, Clearances /90
≈ 100% Mikel Villanueva · strong: Aerial duels won, Duels won · low reliability
Strengths: Aerial duels won /90, Duels won /90, Sofascore rating
≈ 100% Mikel Villanueva · strong: Aerial duels won %, Aerial duels won · low reliability
Strengths: Aerial duels won %, Aerial duels won /90, Duels won /90
FAQ
Who is the closest look-alike to Mikel Villanueva?
Statistically, Fabio Gruber (1. FSV Mainz 05) is the closest look-alike to Mikel Villanueva — a 80/100 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 Mikel Villanueva?
By Doppel's fit score, Fabio Gruber (1. FSV Mainz 05) is the closest profile to Mikel Villanueva, with a 80/100 overall match. Sohaib Nair and Kialonda Gaspar are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Mikel Villanueva?
Yes. Josue Escartin (Red Star FC) plays a similar centre back role and rates 80/100 at roughly €300k.
How does Doppel find players similar to Mikel Villanueva?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Mikel Villanueva's 2024/25 season, then ranks centre backs across the big-5 leagues and more by how closely they match, adjusting for league strength and market value.
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