Players like Hjalmar Ekdal
CBBurnley · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitHjalmar Ekdal's profile ↗
The players most similar to Hjalmar Ekdal are Ze Vitor, Timo Hübers, Chris Richards. Doppel rates Ze Vitor (CD Nacional) a 81/100 overall match — 89/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Timo Hübers scores 80/100 at about €1.4m. Data as of October 2026.
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Hjalmar Ekdal stands out as a commanding, aggressive centre-back, excelling in defensive duels and aerial challenges. Despite his current Sofascore rating placing him in the bottom tier of his peers, his ability to clear danger and dominate in the air is noteworthy, ranking in the top 1% for clearances and top 5% for aerial duels. However, his injury history raises concerns about reliability, having missed considerable game time over the past three seasons.
Strengths: Clearances, Aerial duels won, Duels won. Availability: 43 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Hjalmar Ekdal
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ze Vitorsimilar↗ | CD Nacional | 25 | €2.4m | 89 | 81 |
| 2 | Timo Hüberssimilar↗ | 1. FC Köln | 30 | €1.4m | 86 | 80 |
| 3 | Chris Richardssimilar↗ | Crystal Palace | 26 | €25m | 86 | 81 |
| 4 | Pascal Struijksimilar↗ | Leeds United | 27 | €23m | 86 | 79 |
| 5 | Dan Zagadousimilar↗ | VfB Stuttgart | 27 | €1.9m | 85 | 81 |
| 6 | Patrick Mainkasimilar↗ | 1. FC Heidenheim | 32 | €2.6m | 85 | 80 |
| 7 | Matthew Pollocksimilar↗ | Watford | 25 | €2.2m | 85 | 79 |
| 8 | Casper Widellsimilar↗ | Excelsior | 23 | €1.5m | 85 | 82 |
| 9 | Nicolás Valentinisimilar↗ | Deportivo Alavés | 25 | €3.1m | 84 | 80 |
| 10 | Leopold Querfeldsimilar↗ | 1. FC Union Berlin | 23 | €19m | 84 | 83 |
| 11 | Rio Hillensimilar↗ | NAC Breda | 23 | €700k | 84 | 81 |
| 12 | Kacper Potulskisimilar↗ | 1. FSV Mainz 05 | 19 | €17m | 84 | 80 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Hjalmar Ekdal
≈ 100% Hjalmar Ekdal · strong: Shots, Clearances · low reliability
Strengths: Shots /90, Clearances /90, Accurate long balls /90
≈ 100% Hjalmar Ekdal · strong: Tackles + interceptions, Duels won · low reliability
Strengths: Tackles + interceptions /90, Duels won /90, Aerial duels won /90
≈ 100% Hjalmar Ekdal · strong: Clearances, Aerial duels won · low reliability
Strengths: Clearances /90, Aerial duels won /90, Duels won /90
FAQ
Who is the closest look-alike to Hjalmar Ekdal?
Statistically, Ze Vitor (CD Nacional) is the closest look-alike to Hjalmar Ekdal — a 81/100 profile match (89/100 on playing style). Here "look-alike" means the most similar playing style and output, not appearance.
Who is the best replacement for Hjalmar Ekdal?
By Doppel's fit score, Ze Vitor (CD Nacional) is the closest profile to Hjalmar Ekdal, with a 81/100 overall match. Timo Hübers and Chris Richards are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Hjalmar Ekdal?
Yes. Timo Hübers (1. FC Köln) plays a similar centre back role and rates 80/100 at roughly €1.4m.
How does Doppel find players similar to Hjalmar Ekdal?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Hjalmar Ekdal's 2025/26 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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