Players like Maximilien Balard
CM/CDMNAC Breda · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitMaximilien Balard's profile ↗
The players most similar to Maximilien Balard are Santiago Castañeda, Marcus Lindberg, Nacho Martín. Doppel rates Santiago Castañeda (SC Paderborn 07) a 81/100 overall match — 94/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Alejandro Meléndez scores 81/100 at about €400k. Data as of October 2026.
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Maximilien Balard is a robust defensive midfielder known for his strong positional awareness and tackling ability. With a Sofascore rating in the top 45% of his peers, he excels in clearances and tackles, showcasing his reliability in breaking up opposition plays. His durability stands out, having missed no games in the last three seasons, making him a dependable presence in the midfield. While his attacking metrics are less pronounced, his defensive contributions make him a valuable asset for any team.
Strengths: Clearances, Tackles + interceptions, Finishing (npG − npxG /90). Availability: no injuries recorded in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Maximilien Balard
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Santiago Castañedasimilar↗ | SC Paderborn 07 | 22 | €5.2m | 94 | 81 |
| 2 | Marcus Lindbergsimilar↗ | IK Sirius | 26 | €1.0m | 94 | 80 |
| 3 | Nacho Martínsimilar↗ | Sporting Gijón | 24 | €1.0m | 94 | 80 |
| 4 | Alejandro Meléndezsimilar↗ | Albacete Balompié | 27 | €400k | 93 | 81 |
| 5 | Silas Gnakasimilar↗ | 1. FC Magdeburg | 28 | €900k | 92 | 79 |
| 6 | Beñat Gerenabarrenasimilar↗ | Athletic Club | 23 | €1.0m | 90 | 82 |
| 7 | Unai Vencedorsimilar↗ | Levante UD | 26 | €1.5m | 90 | 80 |
| 8 | Isma Ruizsimilar↗ | Córdoba | 25 | €1.5m | 90 | 79 |
| 9 | Abdellah Baallalsimilar↗ | Clermont Foot | 22 | €100k | 90 | 80 |
| 10 | Julian Niehuessimilar↗ | 1. FC Heidenheim | 25 | €1.6m | 90 | 78 |
| 11 | Tom Ducrocqsimilar↗ | Bastia | 27 | €800k | 89 | 79 |
| 12 | Melker Heiersimilar↗ | IK Sirius | 25 | €2.2m | 88 | 78 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Maximilien Balard
≈ 100% Maximilien Balard · strong: Clearances · low reliability
Strengths: Clearances /90
≈ 100% Maximilien Balard · strong: Aerial duels won %, Sofascore rating · medium reliability
Strengths: Aerial duels won %, Sofascore rating
≈ 100% Maximilien Balard · strong: Tackles + interceptions · medium reliability
Strengths: Tackles + interceptions /90
FAQ
Who is the closest look-alike to Maximilien Balard?
Statistically, Santiago Castañeda (SC Paderborn 07) is the closest look-alike to Maximilien Balard — a 81/100 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 Maximilien Balard?
By Doppel's fit score, Santiago Castañeda (SC Paderborn 07) is the closest profile to Maximilien Balard, with a 81/100 overall match. Marcus Lindberg and Nacho Martín are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Maximilien Balard?
Yes. Alejandro Meléndez (Albacete Balompié) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 81/100 at roughly €400k.
How does Doppel find players similar to Maximilien Balard?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Maximilien Balard'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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