Players like Dean James
LBGo Ahead Eagles · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitDean James's profile ↗
The players most similar to Dean James are Emanuele Valeri, Bryan Goncalves, Daniel Svensson. Doppel rates Emanuele Valeri (Parma) a 85/100 overall match — 93/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Bryan Goncalves scores 82/100 at about €500k. Data as of October 2026.
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Dean James is a dynamic attacking left-back, excelling in creating scoring opportunities with his pinpoint crosses and key passes, ranking in the top 5% among his peers. His ability to generate big chances and contribute to the attack makes him a valuable asset in the final third, complemented by a solid Sofascore rating that places him in the top 40% of his position. With only a few games missed over the last three seasons, he proves to be a durable and reliable presence on the pitch.
Strengths: Big chances created, Key passes, xG + xA. Availability: 13 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Dean James
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emanuele Valerisimilar↗ | Parma | 28 | €2.9m | 93 | 85 |
| 2 | Bryan Goncalvessimilar↗ | FCV Dender | 30 | €500k | 92 | 82 |
| 3 | Daniel Svenssonsimilar↗ | Borussia Dortmund | 24 | €20m | 91 | 85 |
| 4 | Tobias Mohrsimilar↗ | Standard Liège | 31 | €800k | 91 | 84 |
| 5 | Ryan Gilessimilar↗ | Hull City | 26 | €11m | 91 | 84 |
| 6 | John Tolkinsimilar↗ | Holstein Kiel | 24 | €2.4m | 91 | 85 |
| 7 | Giuseppe Pezzellasimilar↗ | Cremonese | 29 | €2.1m | 91 | 82 |
| 8 | Tim Handwerkersimilar↗ | Arminia Bielefeld | 28 | €600k | 90 | 86 |
| 9 | Jeff Hardeveldsimilar↗ | SC Telstar | 31 | €400k | 90 | 86 |
| 10 | Bas Kuiperssimilar↗ | Sparta Rotterdam | 32 | €800k | 90 | 83 |
| 11 | Tiago Araújosimilar↗ | KAA Gent | 25 | €2.4m | 89 | 85 |
| 12 | Sergi Cardonasimilar↗ | Villarreal | 27 | €8.6m | 89 | 85 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Dean James
≈ 100% Dean James · strong: Big chances created, Key passes · low reliability
Strengths: Big chances created /90, Key passes /90, Shots /90
≈ 100% Dean James · strong: Accurate long balls, Big chances created · low reliability
Strengths: Accurate long balls /90, Big chances created /90, Clearances /90
≈ 100% Dean James · strong: xG + xA, Accurate crosses · low reliability
Strengths: xG + xA /90, Accurate crosses /90, Possession won in att. third /90
FAQ
Who is the closest look-alike to Dean James?
Statistically, Emanuele Valeri (Parma) is the closest look-alike to Dean James — a 85/100 profile match (93/100 on playing style). Here "look-alike" means the most similar playing style and output, not appearance.
Who is the best replacement for Dean James?
By Doppel's fit score, Emanuele Valeri (Parma) is the closest profile to Dean James, with a 85/100 overall match. Bryan Goncalves and Daniel Svensson are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Dean James?
Yes. Bryan Goncalves (FCV Dender) plays a similar left back role and rates 82/100 at roughly €500k.
How does Doppel find players similar to Dean James?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Dean James's 2025/26 season, then ranks left backs across the big-5 leagues and more by how closely they match, adjusting for league strength and market value.
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