Players like Maximilien Balard
CM/CDMNAC Breda · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitMaximilien Balard's profile ↗
Maximilien Balard is a central midfielder/defensive midfielder for NAC Breda in the Eredivisie, with 32 appearances and 1 assist in the 2025/26 season. Players similar to Balard include Santiago Castañeda from SC Paderborn 07, who has a fit score of 82/100, and Marcus Lindberg from IK Sirius, with a fit score of 80/100. Both players showcase comparable roles and statistical profiles.
About Maximilien Balard
Maximilien Balard is a robust defensive midfielder, excelling in breaking up opposition play with impressive clearances and tackles per 90 minutes, placing him in the top 10% and 25% of his peers, respectively. With a Sofascore rating in the top 40%, he stands out for his durability, having missed zero games over the last three seasons. While his offensive contributions may not be his strong suit, his ability to shield the defense and maintain possession makes him a valuable asset in midfield.
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 | 82 |
| 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↗ | CD Castellón | 23 | €1.0m | 90 | 82 |
| 7 | Unai Vencedorsimilar↗ | Real Racing Club | 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 Kaiserslautern | 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 · data: Sofascore, 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 best replacement for Maximilien Balard?
By Doppel's fit score, Santiago Castañeda (SC Paderborn 07) is the closest profile to Maximilien Balard, with a 82/100 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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