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. FC Nürnberg) 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 September 2026.
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Mikel Villanueva is a reliable ball-playing centre-back with a strong aerial presence, excelling in accurate long passing and winning duels. His Sofascore rating places him in the top 40% of his peers, showcasing his overall quality in defensive play. While he may struggle with offensive contributions, his durability is a concern due to previous injury setbacks, but when fit, he remains a solid asset in defensive setups.
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. FC Nürnberg | 24 | €2.9m | 92 | 80 |
| 2 | Sohaib Nairsimilar↗ | Guingamp | 24 | €1.9m | 92 | 80 |
| 3 | Kialonda Gasparsimilar↗ | CF Estrela Amadora | 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 | 78 |
| 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 best replacement for Mikel Villanueva?
By Doppel's fit score, Fabio Gruber (1. FC Nürnberg) 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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