Players like Kodai Sano
CM/CDMPSV Eindhoven · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitKodai Sano's profile ↗
The players most similar to Kodai Sano are Ross Barkley, Johan Manzambi, Félix Lemaréchal. Doppel rates Ross Barkley (Aston Villa) a 84/100 overall match — 95/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Filip Krastev scores 86/100 at about €2.9m. Data as of October 2026.
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Kodai Sano is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder, excelling in both defensive duties and progressive play. With his top 4% success rate in dribbling and impressive clearance stats, he showcases a blend of creativity and tenacity, making him a key asset in both disrupting opposition attacks and orchestrating offensive moves. His durability is also commendable, having missed only seven games in three seasons, solidifying his role as a reliable performer in PSV Eindhoven's midfield.
Strengths: Successful dribbles, Clearances, Big chances created. Availability: 7 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Kodai Sano
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ross Barkleysimilar↗ | Aston Villa | 33 | €3.6m | 95 | 84 |
| 2 | Johan Manzambisimilar↗ | SC Freiburg | 21 | €54m | 93 | 85 |
| 3 | Félix Lemaréchalsimilar↗ | Club Brugge KV | 23 | €6.5m | 92 | 84 |
| 4 | Filip Krastevsimilar↗ | PEC Zwolle | 25 | €2.9m | 92 | 86 |
| 5 | Tom Bischofsimilar↗ | FC Bayern München | 21 | €39m | 92 | 83 |
| 6 | Edu Expósitosimilar↗ | Espanyol | 30 | €4.5m | 91 | 85 |
| 7 | Malik Tillmansimilar↗ | Bayer 04 Leverkusen | 24 | €27m | 91 | 84 |
| 8 | Youssouf Fofanasimilar↗ | Sevilla | 27 | €25m | 91 | 84 |
| 9 | Nadiem Amirisimilar↗ | 1. FSV Mainz 05 | 30 | €16m | 91 | 84 |
| 10 | Abdelkahar Kadrisimilar↗ | KAA Gent | 26 | €2.6m | 91 | 85 |
| 11 | Eric Ebimbesimilar↗ | FC Schalke 04 | 26 | €6.5m | 91 | 85 |
| 12 | Brais Méndezsimilar↗ | Real Sociedad | 29 | €7.8m | 91 | 83 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Kodai Sano
≈ 100% Kodai Sano · strong: Successful dribbles, Shots · low reliability
Strengths: Successful dribbles /90, Shots /90, Duels won /90
≈ 100% Kodai Sano · strong: Duels won, Shots · medium reliability
Strengths: Duels won /90, Shots /90, Successful dribbles /90
≈ 100% Kodai Sano · strong: Successful dribbles, Possession won in att. third · low reliability
Strengths: Successful dribbles /90, Possession won in att. third /90, Key passes /90
FAQ
Who is the closest look-alike to Kodai Sano?
Statistically, Ross Barkley (Aston Villa) is the closest look-alike to Kodai Sano — a 84/100 profile match (95/100 on playing style). Here "look-alike" means the most similar playing style and output, not appearance.
Who is the best replacement for Kodai Sano?
By Doppel's fit score, Ross Barkley (Aston Villa) is the closest profile to Kodai Sano, with a 84/100 overall match. Johan Manzambi and Félix Lemaréchal are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Kodai Sano?
Yes. Filip Krastev (PEC Zwolle) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 86/100 at roughly €2.9m.
How does Doppel find players similar to Kodai Sano?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Kodai Sano'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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